National Food Bank Day

Plate filled with various food items, surrounded by smiling volunteers wearing aprons, in a warm and welcoming community space.. — National food bank day illustration

Hey there, foodies and do-gooders! Get ready to fill your plates and your hearts as we delve into the wonderful world of National Food Bank Day. Grab a fork and keep reading!

When is Food Bank Day?

It's national food bank day on the 4th September.

What's the Scoop on National Food Bank Day?

Every year on National Food Bank Day, we come together to celebrate and raise awareness about the invaluable work of food banks. These amazing organizations serve as a lifeline for those facing food insecurity, providing nourishment and hope to individuals and families in need. It's a day to honor the kindness and dedication of the volunteers, donors, and employees who help keep the shelves stocked and the doors open.

Food banks play a vital role in communities across the nation, ensuring that nobody goes to bed hungry. They rescue surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farms, preventing it from going to waste and redistributing it to those who need it most. On National Food Bank Day, we shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes and encourage everyone to get involved in the fight against hunger.

How Did National Food Bank Day Come to Be?

The origins of National Food Bank Day are as heartwarming as a freshly baked pie. This special day was first observed in 2008, when Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, partnered with soup kitchens, food pantries, and food banks to raise awareness about the pressing issue of food insecurity. Since then, National Food Bank Day has grown in popularity and serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting our local food banks.

So while you're enjoying that delicious meal, take a moment to think about the millions of people who rely on the assistance of food banks and consider how you can make a difference. Whether it's donating non-perishable food items, volunteering your time, or hosting a fundraising event, every effort counts in the battle against hunger.

History behind the term 'Food Bank'

1967

The Birth of the Food Bank

The term 'food bank' was first coined in 1967 by John van Hengel, a retired businessman in Phoenix, Arizona. One day, while volunteering at a local soup kitchen, he witnessed a mother searching through trash cans to find food for her children. Inspired by this encounter, van Hengel decided to found the world's first food bank, St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, to collect surplus food from grocery stores and distribute it to those in need. This marked the beginning of the food bank movement.

1970

Expansion of Food Banking

In 1970, three years after the establishment of St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, the concept of food banking began to gain momentum. The first Canadian food bank, The Food Depot, opened its doors in Edmonton, Alberta. This sparked a wave of food bank initiatives across North America as more communities recognized the value of rescuing and redistributing surplus food to combat hunger and food waste.

1981

National Food Recovery Program

In 1981, the United States Congress passed the National Food Recovery Program Act, which provided funding for food banks and established the framework for a nationwide food recovery and distribution system. This legislation marked a significant milestone in the history of food banks, as it recognized their importance in addressing food insecurity and helping those in need.

1990

The Global Food Banking Network

In 1990, the Global Food Banking Network (GFN) was founded as an international nonprofit organization to support the establishment and growth of food bank operations worldwide. The GFN coordinates efforts among food banks across different countries, sharing best practices and providing resources to help organizations combat hunger and reduce food waste on a global scale.

2008

Financial Crisis and Increased Demand

The 2008 global financial crisis had a profound impact on food banks. As unemployment rates soared and families struggled to make ends meet, the demand for food assistance skyrocketed. Food banks faced unprecedented challenges in meeting this increased demand, but they also demonstrated their resilience and adaptability by expanding programs and collaborating with community partners to bridge the gap.

2020

COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in late 2019, further highlighted the critical role of food banks in times of crisis. As lockdown measures and economic disruptions led to widespread job losses and food insecurity, food banks worldwide faced a surge in demand. They swiftly adapted their operations, implementing safety protocols and innovative distribution methods to continue serving vulnerable populations despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Did you know?

Did you know that the first food bank in the United States was established in 1967? It was called the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix, Arizona, and set the stage for the vital work that food banks do today. Talk about a pioneer in the fight against hunger!