How Food Banking Works
Each year billions of pounds of food go to waste, while at the same time over 850 million people do not have enough to eat. Food banking systems capture surplus food and deliver it to the people who need it most, and engage all sectors of society (governments, business, and civil society) in the process.
Food banks acquire donated food, much of which would otherwise be wasted, from farms, manufacturers, distributors, retail stores, consumers, and other sources, and make it available to those in need through a network of community agencies. These agencies include school feeding programs, food pantries, soup kitchens, AIDS and TB hospices, substance abuse clinics, after-school programs, and other nonprofit programs that provide food to the hungry.
Each year billions of pounds of food go to waste, while at the same time over 850 million people do not have enough to eat. Food banking systems capture surplus food and deliver it to the people who need it most, and engage all sectors of society (governments, business, and civil society) in the process.
Food banks acquire donated food, much of which would otherwise be wasted, from farms, manufacturers, distributors, retail stores, consumers, and other sources, and make it available to those in need through a network of community agencies. These agencies include school feeding programs, food pantries, soup kitchens, AIDS and TB hospices, substance abuse clinics, after-school programs, and other nonprofit programs that provide food to the hungry.
Food Bank Leadership Institute
Every year, participants from all over the world gather at the Food Bank Leadership Institute (FBLI). Together with GFN staff, food and grocery industry representatives, and experts on global food security, participants focus on their common commitment to reducing hunger and food waste in their local communities through the advancement of food banking.
The Food Bank Leadership Institute is a vital part of achieving GFN’s mission to alleviate world hunger. While we have food bank development projects underway in numerous countries, we are unable to respond to every opportunity that presents itself. By carefully selecting and training credible, capable and committed representatives from countries where food banking presents a viable solution, we enhance our ability to promote food banking around the world.
Over the past seven years, the Institute has hosted 211 individuals from 49 countries. . . find out more>>
What does organized religion say about feeding the needy? One man's journey and effort to document and remind. John Arnold runs the food bank in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a section of his presentation at the 2008 H-E-B/GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute.
Every year, participants from all over the world gather at the Food Bank Leadership Institute (FBLI). Together with GFN staff, food and grocery industry representatives, and experts on global food security, participants focus on their common commitment to reducing hunger and food waste in their local communities through the advancement of food banking.
The Food Bank Leadership Institute is a vital part of achieving GFN’s mission to alleviate world hunger. While we have food bank development projects underway in numerous countries, we are unable to respond to every opportunity that presents itself. By carefully selecting and training credible, capable and committed representatives from countries where food banking presents a viable solution, we enhance our ability to promote food banking around the world.
Over the past seven years, the Institute has hosted 211 individuals from 49 countries. . . find out more>>
What does organized religion say about feeding the needy? One man's journey and effort to document and remind. John Arnold runs the food bank in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a section of his presentation at the 2008 H-E-B/GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute.