Harvest is underway and, despite the lack of rain this summer, is making the Foodgrains Bank excited. 

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) has partnered with a number of farmers throughout Manitoba and the rest of the prairies to fight global hunger. The CFGB heavily relies on these projects to keep it funded, but despite the less-than-stellar year on the field, Manitoba regional representative Gordon Janzen says they aren't concerned.

"We try to stay out of the worry part of things," Janzen said. "It's not as good as last year but still a lot of variation."

While yields are lower this year thanks to the high heat and lack of rain, Janzen said farmers have been just as excited to donate their time and the money from their fields in order to combat global hunger. Plus, Janzen adds, they are used to this.

"This is what farmer's work with every year," he said. "There are a lot of ups and downs but I think the farming community is still very committed to having a global perspective and working with the Foodgrains Bank."

One of the growing projects, SHARE near Morden, has raised over $1-million over the past six years. They hope to raise another $200,000 this year with their soybeans.

During harvest, when farmers are busiest, Janzen says there are many ways for city dwellers to contribute. One project, Grow Hope, invites people to get involved by contributing to the input cost of the field, allowing the farmer to donate the full share of the field.

Janzen says you can also get involved by learning about the growing projects near you and celebrating the harvest along with them. Some food for the combine never hurt either.

"I'm always amazed at the generosity of farmers," said about their continued involvement in the project. "Farmers are uniquely positioned to do something they are good at and translating that into food for people affected with hunger."

There are approximately 36 different growing projects located in Manitoba.