by 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. Food banks can also help people in need in many other ways.
The first food bank in Europe was opened in France in 1984. 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. While the role of food banks is vital, they often have a difficult time providing nutritious, well-balanced food.
Most food banks receive donated food from various sources. These could include businesses, churches, the public, 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. 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 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 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.
While food banks are essential for people in need, the federal government has a major role in helping those in need. SNAP, formerly known under the name food stamps, provides assistance for more than 35 million Americans. It reaches nine times as many people than the Feeding America network.
