In 2009, alarming numbers from Statistics Canada say the average Canadian household throws out more than 500-pounds of food per year.

“That’s a huge number,” said Sheri Arnott, senior policy advisor with World Vision.

“In North America we have an over-abundance of food. Twenty-seven billion dollars of food is thrown out each year by Canadians and food companies.”

Oct. 16 is World Food Day, and Arnott said it’s the farmers in developing countries who are feeling the greatest pinch.

“The ironic thing is, those who can’t afford to buy food are farmers, they know how to grow food but they don’t have the means to grow more food.”

That’s where the majority of World Vision’s projects are focused.

Arnott said World Vision helps to education and provide farmers with the proper equipment or two provide them with the means to go to the grocery store. Shipping all of our excess food is too expensive, said Arnott.

“Our experience shows that providing the means and tools for poor households is the most cost-effective solution.”

World Vision has projects in more than 80 countries.

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