Sharply rising prices in commodities like grains and rice over recent weeks have triggered food riots in many countries -- and aid agencies worldwide are struggling to feed the poor.

Even in Canada, the shadow of hunger has darkened the empty black pockets of the country's marginalized, leaving many desperately searching for nourishment.

The price of basic food like rice is at record levels, due to a crop failure in Australia. Meanwhile, the cost of shipping food overseas is up 27 per cent.

But you can help. Charity groups are seeking your help by donation.

Clarence Tuin of the Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB) is supported by 15 church denominations, which have helped over 1.3 million people a year in 50 projects that encompass 17 countries from Central American, Africa and Asia.

It all starts with farmers donating grains and seeds, while city folk donate money that is topped up by the federal government.

"One thing that is unique with the Canadian Food Grains Bank is we get matched four to one from the federal government, as far as money goes," Tuin said.

"For every dollar we raise, we are matched four to one, up to $20 million a year."

The CFGB deals directly with the people to ensure aid gets through, but they are having trouble shipping to Burma.

"We do not hand over our shipments to government officials or anything because we don't want to take the chance it wont' go to the people where it's supposed to," Tuin explained.

This year, our federal government has kicked in another $5 million to keep the aid flowing.

"The other neat thing (the government) has done for us is we can spend up to 100 per cent of our money overseas, if we need to, to buy rice in neighbouring countries," Tuin said.

This keeps shipping costs down and helps the economy of a neighbouring -- sometimes poor -- country.

At the Vancouver Food Bank, rising food prices have compounded the problem of fewer donations this time of year.

"The public giving to food banks at this time particularly would be critical," said Cheryl Prepchuk, Vancouver Food Bank.

"We already had some trouble with people on low-income making the food budget," she said. "Now we see groceries themselves more expensive and it creates that much more pressure."

Tuin says people are willing to dig a little deeper into their wallets to help out.

"Our donations are up 21 per cent from the Canadian people," he said. "People are very, very generous."

Whenever there is a world crisis, scammers move in with sound-alike charity names, so always ask for a tax number and check out a charity online at the Canadian Revenue Agency Website.

If you research a charity before you give, your money will have the maximum impact.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen