Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that distribute food to people in need. They usually distribute through intermediaries, such as soup kitchens and food pantries, but some operate directly. In the United States, there are over 700 food banks, and distributing food is a vital part of their mission. Food banks can also help people in need in many other ways.
The first food bank in Europe was opened in France in 1984. Since then, food banks have grown in popularity across continental Europe. According to Professor Jon May of Queen Mary University and the Independent Food Aid Network, the number of food banks has increased rapidly in the last five years. Food banks are vital but often struggle to provide nutritious, balanced food.
Many food banks receive food donated from many sources. These could include businesses, churches, the public, and supermarkets. Volunteer food bank workers sort the donations. Once the donated food is processed, food banks give out emergency food parcels to those in need. These parcels contain three days worth of nutritious, non-perishable food.
Food banks have always had to feed the hungry. But the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult. Food banks are also being affected by rising costs. Volunteers may be afraid of their safety or even be reluctant to work at a food bank. As a result, many senior citizens are delaying volunteering in these organizations, which can affect the food banks’ mission.
Food banks can increase the nutritional value of the food they distribute. Food banks can benefit from partnering up with local farmers, even though they may be reluctant to adhere to strict nutrition standards. These farmers can support local farmers and help food banks increase their local food supply. A recent survey of 137 food banks found that only 39 percent had an organizational nutrition policy.
Food banks distribute food to the poor, but they also run food pantries. Whether they are mobile distributions or permanent locations, food pantries are often the only free source of nutritious food in a neighborhood. These agencies offer nutrition education and screenings. Many pantries also offer back-to-school supplies.
Food banks also work closely with hospitals. They often work with hospitals to provide nutrition education for patients. Food pantries can also benefit from community benefit grants that support their efforts. These grants help food banks purchase and store fresh foods for distribution in the community. Food banks can also be assisted by hospitals in establishing healthy food sourcing programs through partnerships with local farmers.
While food banks are essential for people in need, the federal government has a major role in helping those in need. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides assistance to over 35 million people in the US. It reaches nine times as many people than the Feeding America network.