Food banks are charitable non-profit organizations that distribute food to those in need. They usually distribute through intermediaries, such as soup kitchens and food pantries, but some operate directly. There are more than 700 food banks in the United States. Their mission is to distribute food. Food banks can also help people in need in many other ways.
In 1984, France opened the first European food bank. Food banks have gained popularity throughout continental Europe since then. According to Professor Jon May from Queen Mary University and Independent Food Aid Network, the number food banks has increased rapidly over the past 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. These donations are then sorted by volunteer food bank workers. 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 already faced a daunting task of feeding the hungry, but the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the difficulty of providing food. Increasing costs are also hampering the work of food banks. Volunteers might be hesitant to volunteer at a food bank because of concerns about their safety. 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. While many food banks are wary of adopting strict nutrition standards, they can benefit from partnering with local farmers. These farmers can help food banks increase their local food supply and support local farmers. A recent survey of 137 food bank volunteers revealed that only 39% had a nutrition policy.
In addition to distributing food to the needy, food banks 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 partner with hospitals to provide nutrition education to 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.
Food banks are vital for those in need. However, the federal government plays a significant role in helping those in crisis. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides assistance to over 35 million people in the US. It reaches nine-times as many people as the Feeding America network.