The Sharecropper Program was our major service and outreach program for 25 years. Working in partnership with AS Galten Farms of Durham we had a field planted with a crop, the proceeds when harvested go to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The Bethesda/Galten Farms Sharecropper Program was a partnership with a member of the local agricultural community (AS Galten Farms), a local Christian congregation (Bethesda Lutheran Church-Unionville), and YOU (the sharecropper).
How Sharecropping Works
Through charitable donations, sharecroppers contribute financially to half of the initial input costs of crop planting. In the late summer or fall, the crop is harvested, weighed, and sold. The revenue generated from the crop is split equally between the farmer and the Foodgrains Bank.
The Best News
Canadian Foodgrains Bank project activities are eligible for a 4:1 match from Global Affairs Canada. That means that for every one hundred dollars raised by the Sharecropper Program FIVE HUNDRED dollars in total aid is available to help provide food and aid to some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
Every $100 raised feeds a family of five for 3 months.
2024 Sharercopper Project
Our 2024 Sharecropper Project was a crop of soybeans. The field was located on the southwest corner of Warden Avenue and Stouffville Sideroad. The crop was planted in early June and harvested in mid October. Our project partner was again AS Galten Farms of Durham. We thank them for their generous support.
The 2024 Sharecropper project reaped a bountiful harvest! From the proceeds of the soybean crop and other donations, over $41,000 was raised for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. That amount translates into $205,000 in food and other aid to the world’s hungry when matched by Global Affairs Canada.
We did not have a Sharecropper project in 2025 but are still fundraising for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. A Fundraising Spaghetti Dinner is planned for Sunday, November 16 at 5:00 pm. For more information or to order tickets, please contact us.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Established in 1983, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a Canadian-based Christian organization that helps provide food and development assistance to people in need on behalf of 15 Canadian church agencies. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is owned by 15 Canadian Church Agencies.
They pool resources, both human and financial, and work collaboratively together in a Christian response to hunger.
Adventist Development & Relief Agency
Canadian Baptist Ministries
Canadian Catholic Organization for Development & Peace
Canadian Lutheran World Relief
Christian & Missionary Alliance in Canada
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
Emergency Relief & Development Overseas (Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada)
Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada
Mennonite Central Committee
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Presbyterian World Service & Development
Primate’s World Relief & Development Fund (Anglican Church of Canada)
The Salvation Army
United Church of Canada
World Relief Canada
Facing Hunger is a 28-minute documentary about two farm families on opposite sides of the world who are connected through faith, farming, and a desire to help end hunger. You can watch the full length Facing Hunger documentary below.