Canada has announced money for food aid to soup kitchens in Russia and Ukraine
But the world is still waiting to see if Russia will ask for massive food assistance.
Canada, the United States and the European Union have all been talking about Russia’s need for food aid because of the devaluation of the ruble and a small Russian grain crop.
On Oct. 16, World Food Day, the Canadian government said it will spend $1.8 million on aid to Russia and Ukraine.
The money will be funnelled through the Red Cross, to set up soup kitchens and distribute food packages containing wheat, sugar, cooking oil and condensed milk, as well as winter clothing.
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Medicine, seed sent
Hospitals will get some medical supplies.
Next spring, some seed will be distributed to help farmers get a crop planted.
The aid was announced by Diane Marleau, minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency.
“The collapse of the ruble has driven up the prices for food, heating fuel, clothing and transportation, bringing hardship to hundreds of thousands of people in Russia and Ukraine,” she said.
As the two countries sank deeper into financial trouble during the past several months, the Red Cross issued a wordwide appeal for aid to help get both countries through the winter. It predicted widespread hunger and misery.
On Oct. 19, U.S. agriculture secretary Dan Glickman said he had met with a team of Russians exploring possible food aid, but no formal request had been made.
