Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that distribute food to people in need. Although they distribute food through intermediaries such as soup kitchens or food pantries, some of them operate directly. In the United States, there are over 700 food banks, and distributing food is a vital part of their mission. But there are also many other ways that food banks help people in need.
In 1984, France opened the first European food bank. Food banks have gained popularity throughout continental Europe since then. 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.
Most food banks receive donated food from various sources. These can include the public, businesses, churches, 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 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. Many seniors are putting off volunteering at these organizations to avoid compromising the mission of food banks.
Food banks can increase 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 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 also offer nutrition education and health screenings. Some pantries also provide back-to-school supplies.
Food banks also work closely with hospitals. They often work with hospitals to provide nutrition education for patients. Community benefit grants can also be used to support food pantries. These grants allow food banks to purchase and store fresh food for distribution in the local community. Hospitals can also help food banks establish healthy food sourcing programs by partnering 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 than the Feeding America network.