The Global FoodBanking Network

The Global FoodBanking Network Advancing locally led solutions to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste in more than 50 countries. We’re changing that.

The Global FoodBanking Network supports community-driven solutions to alleviate hunger in more than 40 countries. While millions struggle to access enough safe and nutritious food, nearly a third of all food produced is lost or wasted. We believe food banks directed by local leaders are key to achieving Zero Hunger and building resilient food systems. In 2022, while at least 2.4 billion people fac

ed food insecurity and approximately 735 million people were affected by hunger, GFN members connected 32 million people to food through a network of more than 51,000 social service and community-based organizations.

Reliable access to nutritious food can transform a child’s health, education and opportunities.In 2025, GFN member FoodF...
08/28/2026

Reliable access to nutritious food can transform a child’s health, education and opportunities.

In 2025, GFN member FoodForward South Africa served 863,577 people, including 501,426 children, through more than 2,200 community service agencies.

Food banks are well positioned to complement public programs and help close gaps in child nutrition. Because they are locally led, they can develop approaches that respond to the needs of children and families in their communities.

Learn more about FoodForward South Africa and explore GFN’s global network:
https://www.foodbanking.org/global-reach/south-africa/

In 2007, we brought together food bankers from around the world for the first time.The inaugural Food Bank Leadership In...
08/26/2026

In 2007, we brought together food bankers from around the world for the first time.

The inaugural Food Bank Leadership Institute in San Antonio, Texas, welcomed 36 leaders from nine countries, planting the seeds for a global community that now represents more than 50 countries. Today, that gathering continues as the GFN Global Summit.

Were you at the first Food Bank Leadership Institute? Let us know in the comments!

08/24/2026

Twenty years ago, a bold idea became a global movement.

In 2006, leaders from four pioneering food bank organizations came together to found The Global FoodBanking Network — united by a shared vision to alleviate hunger through community led food banks.

Throughout the next few weeks, we’ll be looking back at some of the major moments, people and organizations who have been part of our journey.

We’d love to hear from you in the comments if you were part of these moments!

A food bank doesn’t always need a large warehouse or fleet of vehicles to connect surplus food with people who need it.V...
08/21/2026

A food bank doesn’t always need a large warehouse or fleet of vehicles to connect surplus food with people who need it.

Virtual food banking connects food donors directly with approved community agencies. Depending on the local context, food banks may coordinate those connections through phone calls, shared spreadsheets, text messages or specialized apps.

This flexible model can help food banks expand into new areas, collect food more frequently and reduce transportation needs.

In 2025, 27 food banks in GFN’s network operated virtual food banking programs, up from less than 5% of members just four years earlier.

Different communities need different solutions. Locally led food banks adapt their approach to fit the places and people they serve.

Visit the link in our bio to learn how virtual food banking works.

It can take a new food bank 10-15 years to really hit its stride — but with conflict and climate change threatening food...
08/10/2026

It can take a new food bank 10-15 years to really hit its stride — but with conflict and climate change threatening food access, we can’t wait.

FoodWise, a member of our Accelerator program, is rapidly scaling up its work without investing in big warehouses and equipment.

In just one year, they’ve served 23% more food with an agile model that can quickly get good food right to the communities who need it.

Last year, GFN food banks served 2 BILLION meals! But not just any meals — they’re focusing on nutritious foods that wil...
08/06/2026

Last year, GFN food banks served 2 BILLION meals! But not just any meals — they’re focusing on nutritious foods that will help their communities thrive for generations.

In fact, driven largely by agricultural recovery, Rains Food Bank of Ethiopia increased food recovery by 201%, allowing them to reach 45% more people last year.

When you can see the whole picture, food banks are delivering so much . ❤️
08/05/2026

When you can see the whole picture, food banks are delivering so much . ❤️

The magic of food banking is that its impact goes beyond delivering food — and recently, we’ve been able to quantify thi...
08/04/2026

The magic of food banking is that its impact goes beyond delivering food — and recently, we’ve been able to quantify this impact, like on climate change.

By keeping food out of landfills last year, our network prevented emissions on par with removing 437,000 cars from the road for an entire year.

Explore more in the GFN Spotlight report: https://bit.ly/4pqb3Tw

In Nicaragua, many charities and community organizations closed after USAID funding abruptly ended. These organizations ...
07/30/2026

In Nicaragua, many charities and community organizations closed after USAID funding abruptly ended.

These organizations are crucial for a variety of services — healthcare, education, employment and, often, distributing food that comes from Banco de Alimentos Nicaragua.

In the wake of these lost resources, the food bank re-strategized and diversified the way they got food to people who need it, leading to a 47% increase in kilograms distributed in just one year!

It’s been a year of cuts and conflict making waves in our daily lives — and through it all, food banks have remained a s...
07/28/2026

It’s been a year of cuts and conflict making waves in our daily lives — and through it all, food banks have remained a steady safety net, providing even more than food.

In our latest GFN Spotlight, explore five ways that food banks have stood between their communities and hunger: https://bit.ly/4pqb3Tw

Address

70 East Lake Street
Chicago, IL
60601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+13127824560

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Global FoodBanking Network posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Global FoodBanking Network:

Shortcuts

Share