Health starts with what’s on your plate and, this August, Feeding America is celebrating National Wellness Month by accelerating the power of fresh, nutritious food to nourish lives and build healthier communities.
Neighbors facing hunger consistently tell us they need access to fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables and proteins to help fuel a healthy life. Increasing access to one of the most powerful tools for better health – nutritious food – can support better health outcomes by preventing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
“Food banks are among the most trusted voices in communities thanks to decades of committed service to community well-being,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Because of our deeply local roots coupled with the power and efficiencies of a national network, Feeding America food banks are uniquely positioned to provide fresh, nutrient-dense foods to tens of millions of people across the country each year, each of whom deserves the food they need to thrive.”
At a time when the cost of basic needs like groceries and health care are out of reach for millions, the Feeding America network of over 200 food banks and 60,000 faith-based and charitable partners is working to ensure everyone has access to the same nutritious food that supports dignity and wellness we all want for ourselves and our loved ones.
Feeding America is doubling down on its commitment to support healthy communities and provide a nutritious mix of fresh, preferred food available through:
- Nutritious impact at scale: In the last year alone, the Feeding America network sourced, received and distributed nearly 3.7 billion pounds of nutrient-dense items like produce, protein and dairy.
- Focus on the protein gap: Facing a shortage of protein donations, the Feeding America network is addressing the gap by safely redistributing donated foods like fresh meat, poultry and seafood to families through a nationwide, temperature-controlled system — including 13 protein pack rooms, 3,000 vehicles, and over 10 million square feet of warehouse space.
- Nutrition for every plate: With over 50 registered dietitians and more than 200 dedicated nutrition staff across the Feeding America network, many food banks offer nutrition education, medically tailored groceries or meal programs and partner with local health providers to meet the needs of the people we serve.
- Local food, local care: The Feeding America network partners with farmers and producers in their communities to increase access to locally grown, fresh, nutritious and familiar foods to their neighbors.
- Excess into access through regional distribution: With agriculturally rich regions across the country, 11 regional cooperatives support the Feeding America network by rescuing hundreds of millions of pounds of excess produce, quickly and efficiently distributing it to ensure perfectly good food can reach community members nationwide.
To learn more about how food banks are offering fresh, nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger, visit feedingamerica.org.
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About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.