Food bank: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:15, 21 February 2025

A charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid hunger.

A food bank is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid hunger. In North America, food banks usually operate on the "warehouse" model. Some food banks distribute food directly with their own food pantries.

History[edit]

The concept of food banking originated in the United States in the late 1960s. The first food bank was established in 1967 by John van Hengel in Phoenix, Arizona. Van Hengel, a retired businessman, started the food bank after volunteering at a soup kitchen and realizing the need for a more organized system to distribute food to those in need.

Operations[edit]

Food banks collect, store, and distribute food to those in need. They often receive donations from supermarkets, food manufacturers, and individuals. Food banks may also purchase food at a reduced cost from wholesalers. The food is then distributed to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community organizations.

Distribution Models[edit]

Food banks use various distribution models to get food to those in need. Some operate as "client choice" pantries, where individuals can select the food they need, similar to a grocery store. Others distribute pre-packaged boxes of food.

Challenges[edit]

Food banks face several challenges, including maintaining a steady supply of food, ensuring food safety, and addressing the stigma associated with using food assistance. They also work to provide nutritious options and accommodate dietary restrictions.

Impact[edit]

Food banks play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. They provide millions of meals to individuals and families each year. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or economic downturns, the demand for food bank services often increases significantly.

Related pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

A line of cars at a food pantry.
Serving breakfast at a soup kitchen.
"Free Soup for the Revolution" sign at a food distribution event.
A food bank at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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-{{Short description|A charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid hunger.}}
+{{short description|A charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid hunger.}}
-A '''food bank''' is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid [[hunger]]. In developed countries, food banks typically act as warehouses, collecting food from [[donors]] and distributing it to [[food pantries]], [[soup kitchens]], and other front-line organizations that provide food directly to those in need.
+[[File:Passing_out_groceries.jpg|thumb|right|Volunteers distributing groceries at a food bank.]]
+A '''food bank''' is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid [[hunger]]. In North America, food banks usually operate on the "warehouse" model. Some food banks distribute food directly with their own food pantries.
 ==History==
-The concept of food banking began in the United States in the late 1960s. The first food bank was established in [[Phoenix, Arizona]] in 1967 by John van Hengel. Van Hengel, a retired businessman, started the food bank after volunteering at a soup kitchen and realizing the need for a more organized system to distribute surplus food to those in need.
+The concept of food banking originated in the United States in the late 1960s. The first food bank was established in 1967 by John van Hengel in [[Phoenix, Arizona]]. Van Hengel, a retired businessman, started the food bank after volunteering at a soup kitchen and realizing the need for a more organized system to distribute food to those in need.
 ==Operations==
-Food banks operate by collecting surplus food from [[supermarkets]], [[restaurants]], and other food suppliers. This food is then sorted, stored, and distributed to local agencies that provide food directly to individuals and families in need. Food banks rely heavily on [[volunteers]] and donations to operate.
+Food banks collect, store, and distribute food to those in need. They often receive donations from [[supermarkets]], [[food manufacturers]], and [[individuals]]. Food banks may also purchase food at a reduced cost from wholesalers. The food is then distributed to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community organizations.
-===Collection and Storage===
+[[File:Fort_Bragg_Food_Bank_-_November_2022_-_Sarah_Stierch.jpg|thumb|left|A food bank in Fort Bragg, California.]]
-Food banks collect food from a variety of sources, including food manufacturers, grocery stores, and individual donors. They often have large warehouses where food is sorted and stored. Perishable items are kept in refrigerated areas to ensure they remain safe for consumption.
-===Distribution===
+===Distribution Models===
-Once food is collected and sorted, it is distributed to partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. These agencies then provide the food directly to those in need. Some food banks also operate mobile food pantries that deliver food directly to underserved areas.
+Food banks use various distribution models to get food to those in need. Some operate as "client choice" pantries, where individuals can select the food they need, similar to a grocery store. Others distribute pre-packaged boxes of food.
 ==Challenges==
-Food banks face several challenges, including:
+Food banks face several challenges, including maintaining a steady supply of food, ensuring food safety, and addressing the stigma associated with using food assistance. They also work to provide nutritious options and accommodate dietary restrictions.
-* '''Food Insecurity:''' The demand for food assistance often exceeds the supply, especially during economic downturns.
-* '''Logistics:''' Efficiently collecting, storing, and distributing food requires significant logistical coordination.
+[[File:Insidecafb.png|thumb|right|Inside a food bank warehouse.]]
-* '''Funding:''' Food banks rely on donations and grants, which can fluctuate and impact their ability to operate.
 ==Impact==
-Food banks play a crucial role in alleviating hunger and food insecurity. They provide millions of meals to individuals and families each year and help reduce food waste by redirecting surplus food to those in need.
+Food banks play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. They provide millions of meals to individuals and families each year. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or economic downturns, the demand for food bank services often increases significantly.
-==Images==
-[[File:Food bank volunteers.jpg|thumb|right|Volunteers sorting food at a food bank.]]
-[[File:Food bank distribution.jpg|thumb|left|Distribution of food at a local food pantry.]]
 ==Related pages==
+* [[Soup kitchen]]
+* [[Food insecurity]]
 * [[Hunger]]
-* [[Food insecurity]]
+* [[Charitable organization]]
-* [[Soup kitchen]]
-* [[Food waste]]
+[[File:US_Navy_111123-N-HW977-185_Sailors_weigh_Thanksgiving_food_drive_donations_before_delivery_to_the_Corona-Norco_Settlement_House.jpg|thumb|left|Sailors weighing food drive donations.]]
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:Food_pantry_car_line.jpg|A line of cars at a food pantry.
+File:US_Navy_090806-N-6220J-004_Sailors_and_Navy_Delayed_Entry_Program_members_serve_breakfast_to_homeless_men_and_women_at_Dorothy's_Soup_Kitchen_in_Salinas,_Calif._during_Salinas_Navy_Week_community_service_event.jpg|Serving breakfast at a soup kitchen.
+File:Free_Soup_For_the_Revolution.jpg|"Free Soup for the Revolution" sign at a food distribution event.
+File:A_food_bank_at_Lee_University_in_Cleveland,_Tennessee.jpg|A food bank at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
+</gallery>
 [[Category:Charitable organizations]]
-[[Category:Food and drink]]
+[[Category:Food banks]]
-[[Category:Social issues]]
+[[Category:Food security]]