Development

MCC Thrift Shops are recycling pioneers

In 1972, the year that MCC Thrift Shops first opened in Altona, Manitoba, MCC announced a significant cutback in material aid requests. Used clothing from North America was not needed in countries where MCC was doing relief and it was less expensive and more appropriate to purchase the goods closer to the scene of the emergency.

Donations of clothing and household items continued to arrive in local depots and the idea of selling the goods locally and forwarding the proceeds to MCC was born. Volunteers in the newly opened thrift shops developed clever ideas for turning unwearable and unusable surplus items into blankets, pot holders, pencil cases, garden gates - the ideas are endless!

Why Shop Thrift?

1. Respect for the Environment:
   Reselling used goods means fewer items in the landfill
2. Respect Your Wallet:
   Prices are a fraction of traditional retail stores
3. Support Our World:
   Profits are used for relief, peace and justice through the work of Mennonite Central Committee

Our Principles of Operation

We commit ourselves to Christian faith in action by:

• Offering a friendly, caring presence in the community
• Volunteering our time and talents
• Receiving and reselling donated items
• Informing the churches and community of the Mennonite Central Committee mission
• Supporting the mission of Mennonite Central Committee by generating income

Find a Thrift Shop Near you.

Unequal distribution of food is the main reason for hunger.  Hunger is tied to decisions that lead to inequities in the global food system, resulting from unfair trade practices, conflict, overconsumption in industrialized countries, increased demand for biofuels, and concentration of corporate power in the agri-food system. 

Increased investment in agriculture and agriculture research is essential to improve food production, create economic opportunities and reduce hunger.

MCC collaborates with other organizations to advocate for government policies that support small farmers and sustainable agriculture.

MCC supports peace and reconciliation programs so that people can plant and harvest in safety.

Small-scale farmers do not alwasy reap the benefits of higher food prices.  Women farmers make up two-thirds of the world's farmers but continue to be a marginalized group within the agriculture sector.

Climate change, best characterized by extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, adversely affects the ability to produce food.

MCC-supported water and agriculture projects are part of MCC's long-term commitment to improve food production systems.

Africa

Kenya—$650,000

In response to the prolonged increasing drought and high food prices the Kajiado District the Emergency Food-for-Work project is providing food assistance to 3,000 households and 7,000 primary school students over a six-month period, beginning March 2009. This project will improve the food situation by increasing crop production, protecting water resources, building fencing, helping with land preparation and more. The Maasai Integrated Development Initiatives and Presbyterian Outreach Mission Church are implementing this project. The project is funded through donations to MCC’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and matching grants from the Canadian government.

Kenya – $590,400

Two years of failed crops followed by another two years of drought have resulted in a lack of food in the Machakos and Kitui districts of Eastern Kenya. Farmers who are involved in MCC’s long-term food and water security activities like building sand dams are forced to leave their communities in search of work, or are unable to work because they are so hungry. MCC is responding by providing food to 3600 of these households. This food allows people to continue working on the sand dams in preparation for the rains and future food production.  Excellent Development Kenya and the SASOL Foundation are implementing the project. It is funded through donations to MCC’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and matching grants from the Canadian government.

Ethiopia—$164,000

Chronic malnutrition is severely affecting the development of children in inner-city Addis Ababa. MCC’s support for the Supplementary Feeding for Women and Children program assists 1,150 children (under five years old) and 75 mothers with supplementary food over a period of two years, June 2008-July 2010. The project is implemented by Community Based Integrated Sustainable Development and funded by donations to MCC’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and matching grants from the Canadian government.

Ethiopia - $ 800,000

MCC continues to assist chronically hungry families in Boricha and Awassa-Zuria districts in Southern Ethiopia. This three year project will assist 6,000 families with food through a food and cash-for-work program. The project aims to improve agricultural practices, build household savings and support income diversification. This project is implemented by the Meserete Kristos Church Relief and Development Association and funded by donations to MCC’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and matching grants from the Canadian government.

Burundi—$422,800

Approximately 1,333 households in the provinces of Kirundo, Rutana and Makamba are receiving maize and beans over a one-year period, March 2009 to February 2010, through the Food-For-Work Reforestation Programme. This program helps improve soil quality and agricultural production. As well, around 3,000 households will receive maize and bean seed as a supplement to their poor/failing harvest from which they have rarely been able to conserve seed for the subsequent season.  Since 2004, MCC has assisted farmers in planting over two million trees in order to rehabilitate degraded land following years of conflict. MCC supports this program with donations to MCC’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and matching grants from the Canadian Government. This program is implemented by Help Channel Burundi.

Asia

India—$850,000

In August 2008, severe flooding in northern India displaced thousands of people in the Bihar State, Supaul District. The North Bihar Flood Rehabilitation Program is rehabilitating agricultural land while providing food for 7,500 families who were most vulnerable to the flooding and a chronic lack of adequate food. This project is implemented by the Church Auxiliary for Social Action and will run from February to September 2009. It is funded through donations to MCC’s account and the Presbyterian World Service and Development account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank with matching grants from the Canadian government

India—$1,130,000

In the final year of this four-year program, the Food for Community Development Project will assist 176 villages across 30 districts of 10 states in India. The project, funded by donations to MCC’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and matching grants from the Canadian government, will assist approximately 37,000 people. Households will receive food and participate in activities which will enhance local soil fertility, irrigation and regenerate local water systems. This project is implemented by MCC’s partner organization, Church Auxiliary for Social Action.

Afghanistan - $300,000

Through a long-time partner, MCC is assisting families with urgent food needs in Afghanistan. Through a cash-for-work project, the most vulnerable families receive payments in cash for their work on road construction which will also enhance local food markets. $24 allows one family to purchase a diversity of food from the local market. This project is funded by donations to MCC’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and matching grants from the Canadian government.

Myanmar - $100,000

A year following the deadly cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, thousands of households are struggling to rebuild and regain their livelihoods. MCC is providing funds for agricultural rehabilitation including small-scale irrigation. One food powered treadle pump costs $16 and one drip irrigation system costs $14. This project is funded with MCC funds.

Latin America and the Carribean

Colombia--$35,000 per year

Mencoldes, a local Mennonite partner of MCC, is providing food assistance and other resettlement support to families forcibly displaced to the city of Bogota by conflict in Colombia. Over a three year period beginning in March 2008, the Material and Food Aid for the Displaced Population in Colombia Project will assist 550 families per year in providing transitional shelter and meeting their basic needs (food and household supplies) when they get their own homes. This project is funded by MCC.

Ecuador—$12,350

The Quito Mennonite Church congregation is supporting refugees from Colombia seeking safety and refuge in Ecuador. MCC’s financial support for the church’s Community Center for Colombia Refugees will meet the basic needs (housing, food and clothing) of 50 refugee families, November 2008-August 2009. This project is funded by MCC.

Europe and Middle East

Bosnia Herzegovina—$10,000

In cities, throughout Bosnia Herzegovina a MCC partner organization, Merhamet provides food assistance to over 7,000 beneficiaries though soup kitchens. MCC’s contribution to the Flour for Soup Kitchens and Wheat Production project will assist Merhamet with the purchase of flour as well as seeds so that wheat flour can be produced for the soup kitchens in the long-term. This three-year program gets underway in May 2009.

Earth Trek

Based on Genesis 1, author Joanne Moyer uses the seven days of creation to explore our created world, how it is threatened and what is being done to protect it. Borrow from MCC.   To purchase your own copy, contact MCC Canada.

A Season of Hope (DVD)

Deforestation, climate change, the resulting southward expansion of the Sahara Desert and population growth has increased the stress on the land, water and food supply in southern Chad and caused conflict between farmers and herders. Click here to borrow.  To purchase a copy, contact MCC  Canada.

Simply in Season (cookbook)

Today most people make no connection with the time of year and season to place or location of food. Simply in Season features eating and using local, seasonal foods like our grandparents did in wholesome, delicious dishes.

For more information about other MCC cookbooks or to order, contact MCC Canada.

Handle with CARE

This new DVD series from MCC Ontario is more than an intellectual exercise – it is a call to action. The 4 week adult study, is designed for a Bible study, Sunday school or small group with the goal of encouraging and inspiring the Church to take greater care of God’s creation.  In Canada, order your copy today.

Harvest in the Balance

Biotechnology and genetic engineering are reshaping world agriculture. How will they affect the ability of people to feed themselves? How should Christians view these new technologies?

To purchase your own copy, contact MCC Canada.

Menno Santé

Water is life

A person can survive for weeks without food, but will die in a few days without water. Yet for many families around the world, this basic need is out of reach. Learn more about the need for safe, clean water and how MCC is working to help families and communities gain access to this vital resource.

Food for today and tomorrow