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The Zimbabwe Council of Churches, with partnership from The United Church of Canada, is leading efforts to combat hunger and build resilience.

A woman receives food assistance in Zimbabwe
Credit: Zimbabwe Council of Churches
Published On: February 3, 2025

For International Development Week 2025 (February 2–8) The United Church of Canada highlights Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Mission and Service Partners who are contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Strengthening Global Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

As the world works toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), The United Church of Canada is deepening its commitment to global justice through its framework of Mutual Radical Accompaniment. Through our collaboration with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), the United Church is contributing to tangible progress toward these goals. Together, we are addressing immediate hunger, building long-term resilience, and working towards dismantling colonial models of aid to create sustainable, equitable futures.

Long-Term Solutions and Immediate Support

In the districts of Gutu and Bikita, Zimbabwe, communities face the pressures of climate change and acute food insecurity. ZCC works to meet these challenges through a layered approach that bridges immediate relief and long-term sustainability.

The Scaling Up Resilience Project focuses on addressing systemic barriers to food security, fostering sustainable practices, and empowering local leadership. By equipping communities with tools for climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk management, and gender equality, this project reflects the principles of SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

A man receives food assistance in Zimbabwe
Credit: Zimbabwe Council of Churches

While this work builds future resilience, we also recognize the urgency of immediate needs. Last year's El Niño weather pattern exacerbated food insecurity, leaving households without adequate supplies during the lean season. In response, The United Church of Canada is supporting ZCC’s six-month Food Assistance Response. This project provides critical rations to 2,400 households—12,000 individuals—during their most vulnerable time. Families receive maize meal, beans, and cooking oil, offering stability and sustenance.

By addressing immediate hunger while building the skills, infrastructure, and community networks needed for long-term food security, they reflect the interconnectedness of justice, sustainability, and equity. This approach is rooted in the principle that all resources—financial, spiritual, and human—belong to God and are to be shared in ways that prioritize the voices and needs of communities.

Connecting Global Work to Local Communities of Faith

The United Church of Canada and CFGB offer resources in the form of games and activities to help congregations, youth groups, and young adults engage with global hunger and food security issues.

  • The Cycle of Hunger: Explore the interconnected causes of hunger through an interactive board game!
  • Forced to Flee: Understand the impacts of conflict and displacement on food insecurity through an in-person activity—or an online version.
  • Right to Food: Advocate for food as a fundamental human right in this activity.
  • A Banquet for All: A resource for younger children to foster empathy and awareness.

Discover these resources and more at Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

What Can You Do to Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals?

Posted in
Embolden Justice, Climate Change, Ending Poverty