Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Feeding America today released a report underscoring the critical contribution food retailers make to their respective communities through their support of local food banks. The study,"Decades of Donations: The 2012 Survey of the Food Retail Industry's Support of Food Banks," is a collaborative effort between FMI, representing U.S. food retailers, and Feeding America, the nation's leading network of food banks. The document substantiates how critical food banks are to the nation's anti-hunger support system and reports that U.S. grocery stores are the top donation stream for Feeding America's network of food banks.
"More than 50 million Americans, including 17 million children, are at risk of hunger," said Bob Aiken, president and CEO of Feeding America."Families across the country are struggling to make ends meet, there is the possibility of billions of dollars in cuts to the SNAP program, and food banks are working harder than ever to serve the needs of hungry families in their communities. This is why the substantial donations we receive from the nation's food retailers are so critically important in helping us provide food to nearly six million Americans each week."
According to Feeding America, food banks experienced a 46 percent increase in clients between 2006 and 2010. Consequently, 99 percent of all retailers who responded to the FMI survey indicated they support a food bank by donating food. Over one-fifth (21 percent) of retailers reported donating more than 1 million pounds of food, and more than one-third (36 percent) donated at least 100,000 pounds. Reporting in 2012 on contributions made in 2011, 96 percent of retailers donated cash to food banks. Of those who donated cash, 26 percent contributed more than $100,000, last year. Cash contributions to food banks enhance their ability to supplement product categories in need, such as fresh meat, where donations do not meet the demand.
"Our 2012 consumer trends research showcased how U.S. consumers have adapted to living with less, but many American families struggle with severe economic restrictions that limit their food options," said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI."Grocery stores and supermarkets across our nation are proud to partner effectively with local food banks, providing families in need with affordable quality nutritious food."
The report covers the product categories; challenges in supply that food retailers and Feeding America are working to collectively address; and alternative ways in which food retailers assist food banks, such as food drives, scannable coupons that assist local banks, and even necessary equipment to expand and enhance a food bank's network.
Sarasin continued,"Food retailers have a longstanding tradition of being actively involved in their respective communities. By assisting food banks and enabling their customers to join in that effort, food retailers extend the reach of that neighborhood support to those in need of basic nutritional sustenance."
For Media:
Copy of"Decades of Donations: The 2012 Survey of the Food Retail Industry's Support of Food Banks" (free download from FMI.org)
Photos courtesy of the Washington, DC Capital Area Food Bank
Copy of"2012 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends" Report
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Food Marketing Institute
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI's U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI's retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI's nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members. www.fmi.org.
