During Hunger Action Month, Feeding America reminds us that ending hunger takes all of us. Across the country, Feeding America partner food banks serve as regional hubs, receiving food from farmers, manufacturers, retailers, government programs and community donors.
Monetary donations are equally important, helping food banks purchase the foods their communities need and support the warehouses, refrigeration, transportation and people required to keep that food moving. Food banks then work through local networks of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and meal programs to help food reach neighbors facing hunger.
This blog takes a closer look at how that network works and why every part of the chain matters.
A Food Bank Is a Regional Hub
A food bank is not usually the place where individuals pick up groceries. It is a regional hub that collects, stores and distributes large quantities of food. Food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and community meal programs then receive that food and provide it directly to people in their communities.
That distinction is important. By coordinating food for an entire region, a food bank can move resources efficiently, respond to changing needs and support many local organizations at once.
Food Comes from Many Sources
Food banks receive food from farmers and growers, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, community food drives and government programs. They also recover surplus food that is safe to eat but might otherwise go to waste.
Financial donations allow food banks to purchase the items their communities need most, often in larger quantities and at lower cost than an individual shopper could.
Every Donation Must Be Handled Safely
Once food arrives, staff and volunteers unload, inspect, sort and track it. Shelf-stable foods are organized in warehouse space, while fresh and frozen foods require refrigeration, freezers and temperature-controlled transportation.
This infrastructure helps protect food safety and makes it possible to distribute fresh produce, dairy, meat and other nutritious foods along with pantry staples.
Food Moves Through a Local Network
Food banks work with local partner organizations to understand what is needed and where. Those partners receive deliveries or pick up food from the warehouse.
Food pantries may provide groceries for families to prepare at home, while soup kitchens and meal programs serve prepared food.
Mobile pantries bring food directly to neighborhoods where transportation or distance can make access difficult.
Impact Beyond Pounds of Food
Many food banks also offer services beyond food distribution.
This included nutrition education, assistance applying for food benefits, workforce skills development, and programs designed for children, seniors, and other community needs.
The work is local, and each food bank shapes its services around the people and communities it serves.
Every Part of the Chain Matters
Food banks could not do this work alone. Farmers, food donors, and financial supporters help keep food coming in. Staff and volunteers sort, store and move it safely. Food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and meal programs make sure food reaches people in their communities.
Members of the Elara team recently had the opportunity to contribute by volunteering at Healthy Harvest Farm, operated by Island Harvest Food Bank, a Feeding America partner food bank in Long Island, New York. The experience was a meaningful reminder that every person who gives their time can make an impact.
Through Elara’s One Case • One Meal® program, every case our customers purchase helps provide a meal to someone facing hunger. Together, our customers have helped provide more than 9 million meals through our partnership with Feeding America.
We are grateful to our customers – and to the donors, volunteers, food bank employees and community organizations across the country – who help keep this network moving every day.
To learn how you can donate, volunteer or get involved, find your local Feeding America food bank.
