Interview with Andy Harrington, Executive Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Written By Church Helper

As Executive Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Andy has worked alongside churches, governments, farmers, and local partners around the world to respond to hunger. Along the way, he's discovered that lasting change almost always begins with people who are willing to take the next faithful step, even when they can't see the whole path ahead. John and Andy talk about calling, collaboration, generosity, and why keeping your eyes on the mission matters. It's a hopeful conversation for anyone wondering whether the small things we do together can still make a difference.

Quotables

  • "Life... has been one step at a time in a direction that God has made possible."

  • "When we get distracted away from what our mission is, you know it's going to cause problems."

  • "When I go to these places, John, I don't just see the people huddled in corners. I see Jesus sitting with them, looking at me, saying, 'What are you going to do about this?'"

  • "There's always been a case of, 'Lord, what comes next?'"

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About Andy Harrington

Andy Harrington is a leading Canadian voice in the fight against global hunger. As the Executive Director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, he leads a powerful ecumenical coalition of 15 church-based agencies representing nearly 30 denominations, working together to end food insecurity. With over 30 years of frontline leadership, ranging from refugee support in war-torn Bosnia and Croatia to tsunami relief in Sri Lanka, Andy brings a rare blend of boots-on-the-ground experience and high-level strategic vision. Andy has spent his career at the intersection of faith and global service, including nearly a decade as CEO of The Wellspring Foundation. His expertise in the broader sector is reflected in his three-year term as co-chair of the Humanitarian Coalition (concluding May 2026), a partnership of Canada’s leading aid agencies. This professional breadth, combined with a Master’s in Missiology and Culture, makes Andy a uniquely qualified expert on how the Canadian Church can partner effectively to serve a broken world.

Show Notes

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