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Resilience of Food Banks in Times of Global Crisis and Uncertainty

In the face of persistent global economic challenges, conflict, and reduced foreign aid, food banks are proving their worth as crucial lifelines in communities worldwide. A recent report by The Global FoodBanking Network reveals a significant increase in the capabilities of food banks, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to alleviating hunger and reducing food waste.

Key Findings from the Data

The data from 2024 indicates that food banks within this network, spanning 46 countries, supported approximately 38 million individuals. This marks a notable increase compared to previous years, with food distribution reaching an impressive 762 million kilograms — a 17% rise. This figure stands as the second-highest recorded since the peak experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when demand for food banks surged dramatically.

The driving force behind this growth lies in the high demand for food assistance coupled with the agile response of food banks in recovering food across the entire supply chain. From farms to restaurants, food banks play a critical role in minimizing waste while promoting food security.

Adaptability and Innovation in Food Banking

Lisa Moon, President and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network, emphasizes the resilience showcased by food banks during tumultuous times. She states, “With ongoing shocks to communities around the globe, food banks have proven to be resilient as they significantly increased the amount of food they distributed in 2024.” The network delivered the equivalent of 2.1 billion meals, illustrating the robust impact these organizations have on local populations.

Furthermore, innovation within the sector has accelerated agricultural recovery efforts. In 2024, food banks collected 147 million kilograms of produce from various sources such as farms and markets, doubling the amount recovered compared to five years prior. This is a crucial step, as 65% of the network’s food banks now have established agricultural recovery programs.

Healthy and nutritious food remains a priority, with 41% of food distributed being fruits and vegetables. When considering other essential food types, including legumes and dairy, a commendable 58% of all distributed food meets high nutritional standards.

Combatting Hunger and Climate Change

A unique aspect of food banks is their ability to simultaneously tackle issues like hunger and climate change. While feeding 38 million people, they managed to divert a staggering 512 million kilograms of food waste from landfills. This has a profound environmental impact, offsetting the equivalent of 1.9 million metric tons of CO2e — akin to removing 443,000 gasoline-powered cars from the roads.

Community Engagement and Volunteering

In 2024, food banks not only served their communities but were also energized by community participation. Over 436,000 volunteers contributed their time and effort, marking a 40% increase from the previous year. Amidst a backdrop of political, economic, and environmental challenges, these food banks have emerged as community hubs, fostering unity and resilience among residents.

Conclusion

The data underscores the pivotal role food banks play in creating healthy, resilient communities while addressing pressing global issues. The Global FoodBanking Network's approach of redirecting surplus food to those in need embodies the potential of food banks to transform not just individual lives but also the framework of our food systems. This nexus of fighting hunger and promoting sustainability positions food banks as essential players in building a more equitable future, capable of responding to current crises and those that lie ahead.

For more information about the impactful work done by food banks and insights from The Global FoodBanking Network, feel free to reach out to their media relations team.