How Food Banks Help People in Need

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. 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. Since then, food banks have grown in popularity across continental Europe. 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.

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. Food banks distribute emergency food parcels to people in need after the food has been processed. 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 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 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 help food banks increase their local food supply and support local farmers. A recent survey of 137 food banks found that only 39 percent had an organizational nutrition policy.

In addition to distributing food to the needy, food banks also run food pantries. Food pantries can be either mobile distributions or permanent and are often the only source of healthy food in a community. These agencies also offer nutrition education and health 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. Hospitals can also help food banks establish healthy food sourcing programs by partnering 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 as the Feeding America network.