How Do Food Banks Work and Why Are They Important?

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment and food insecurity have soared. According to the USDA’s latest Household Food Insecurity in the United States report, more than 42 million people may face hunger because of Covid-19 compared to 35 million in 2019.

Feeding America is a non-profit organization that is the nation’s leading hunger-relief charity consisting of a nationwide network of food banks. Within the Feeding America network are 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries throughout the United States that millions of Americans rely on every week. September is “Hunger Action Month,” a part of a national initiative to help raise awareness about hunger in our communities and the importance of food banks and food pantries. Continue reading to learn more about food insecurity in the United States and the vital role that food banks play.

What is “food insecurity”?

The government uses this term broadly to refer to hunger and the coping mechanisms households use to avoid going hungry. Put simply, hunger refers to a personal, physical sensation of discomfort, while food insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level. Research shows that food insecurity tends to be episodic and often cyclical.

What’s the difference between a food bank and a food pantry? 

A food bank is a non-profit organization that safely stores millions of pounds of food, usually in a large warehouse. Food banks receive their donated food from local neighbors, retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers. To get the food into the hands of the community, food banks deliver the food to distribution centers nearby, known as food pantries. This is where hungry families can pick up food, and some are even placed in schools for added convenience. To help overcome barriers to access, some food banks, like Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico, have mobile pantries to reach people in rural communities and seniors with limited mobility.

Where does a food bank get its food?

1. Food is donated to food banks 

Struggling families receive most of their food through food drives, farmers, and local businesses. Food drives are usually started by individuals, families, church groups, or companies. These non-perishable food items provide flexibility for food banks that perishable items such as produce do not. Usually, produce comes from farmers who donate excess crops, which helps tackle food waste. Farmers are essential to food banks and food pantries because they provide healthy foods to neighbors who otherwise might not have access to fresh produce. 

Companies are also an important part of the equation. A wide variety of businesses in the food industry, from small restaurants to grocery store chains, donate excess food, including everything from canned goods to meat or dairy products. For individuals, check out what’s best to donate and what you should avoid.  

2. Food banks purchase food

If certain foods are not donated, food banks can purchase food at much lower prices than what the average person would spend at the grocery store. This can also allow flexibility to fill in missing food groups, address needs such as medically or culturally-specific diets, and turn more dollars into meals. According to Feeding America, every dollar provides at least ten meals to families in need through their network of food banks. Find your local food bank here to help your hungry neighbors.

3. Food banks receive food from federal programs 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides billions of meals each year by purchasing food from farmers and donating the food to food banks for distribution in their communities. The USDA’s programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program or TEFAP, are one of the most reliable food sources for food banks, providing 1.7 billion meals in 2020. 

How has the pandemic affected food banks in the U.S.?

The pandemic has most affected families that were already facing hunger or are one missed paycheck away.  From 2019 to 2020, 7 million more people became food insecure (35 million to 42 million). Before the coronavirus pandemic, Feeding America reported more than 10 million children living in food-insecure households. They now predict that number to soar to 13 million (1 in 6) in 2021. This has put a lot of added pressure on food banks’ operations. It was especially difficult during Covid-19 quarantine periods due to a loss of volunteers. Food banks and food pantries adapted with car pick-ups and other safe distribution methods.

Who benefits from food banks in the U.S.?

According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 people in America struggles with hunger. There is not a single community in the county without a family or individual facing hunger. Many people do not qualify for federal nutrition programs and visit their local food banks or food pantries for extra support. This includes hardworking families, seniors, and veterans who cannot make ends meet or are forced to choose between household essentials like food or medicine. Families with children and single-parent households, particularly those headed by women, are two demographics that show the highest rates of food insecurity. In addition, the rates of food insecurity are much higher for African American, Latino, and Native American families because of systemic racial injustice. 

How can I help my local Food Bank?

1. Raise awareness online and through community outreach – participate in Hunger Action Day on September 17th by wearing orange and sharing information with friends and family.
2. Donate to a local food bank or other hunger-fighting charity – financial and food donations are always welcome.
3. Volunteer your time – you can help at a food bank or other food distribution organization in your community. Find your local food bank by inputting your zip code here.
4. Save on prescriptions – Use a free BuzzRx prescription discount card benefiting one of our food bank partners. Every time you save, we’ll donate $1 to the organization listed on the card.

Hunger in America is heartbreaking. However, we have the power and the means to significantly reduce the statistics we hear about daily—federal programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) help. Food banks and other outreach programs also help in the fight against hunger. Every charitable donation made to food banks can make a difference for someone in need.