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. 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.

Many food banks receive food donated from many 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 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 may be afraid of their safety or even be reluctant to work at a food bank. 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. While many food banks are wary of adopting strict nutrition standards, they can benefit from partnering with local farmers. These farmers can help food banks increase their local food supply and support local farmers. A recent survey of 137 food bank volunteers revealed that only 39% had a nutrition policy.

In addition to distributing food to the needy, food banks also run food pantries. Whether they are mobile distributions or permanent locations, food pantries are often the only free source of nutritious food in a neighborhood. These agencies also offer nutrition education and health screenings. Some pantries also provide back-to-school supplies.

Food banks also work closely with hospitals. They often work with hospitals to provide nutrition education for patients. Community benefit grants can also be used to support food pantries. 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 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.