Bringing Community Voices to Climate and Hunger Advocacy

World Renew recently joined Canadian Foodgrains Bank for Hunger on the Hill in Ottawa, an advocacy training event held October 17–21, 2026. The event brings people from across Canada together to learn how climate change and food insecurity are connected, build practical advocacy skills, and meet face-to-face with Members of Parliament and Senators to talk about global hunger.

Representing World Renew was Amanda Talstra, Director of Justice & Peace. As a founding member of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, World Renew took part in the event to bring the priorities of communities and local partners into conversations with Canadian decision-makers.

“Advocacy is deeply connected to World Renew’s work alongside communities because it helps us address not only the immediate impacts of poverty, hunger, and climate change, but also their root causes,” says Amanda. “Through our local partners, we listen to communities and learn from their experience, wisdom, and leadership. Communities are already experiencing the realities of climate change and food insecurity, but they also carry deep knowledge, strength, and solutions.”

In Ottawa, that meant asking Canada to support climate finance that builds resilience without adding more debt for communities already facing hunger. “While our programs help respond to immediate needs and build resilience, advocacy helps us call for policies and investments that uphold people’s dignity and ability to thrive,” Amanda explains.

Advocating for Climate Finance That Reaches Communities

“Climate finance can’t only be about reducing future emissions. We also need strong funding for adaptation and for loss and damage, helping communities adapt to the impacts they are already experiencing and respond to losses they cannot avoid. Most importantly, that funding needs to reach local communities and support solutions that are locally led.”

World Renew’s participation in Hunger on the Hill reflects its calling to respond to hunger’s immediate impacts while also addressing its root causes. “It’s not about speaking for communities,” says Amanda. “It’s about standing alongside them, amplifying their voices, and working together toward a more peaceful and just world.”

Beyond Hunger on the Hill

Interested in learning more about advocacy, community engagement, and opportunities to put faith into action? Explore World Renew’s Events page for upcoming events and recordings that can help you learn, connect, and take action.