How the Feeding America network provides fresh food

Did you know that food banks provide even more than shelf-stable food to neighbors facing hunger? It’s true! Through innovative partnerships with farmers, retailers, food producers and more, the Feeding America network offers fresh food like fruit and vegetables, produce, protein and even medically-tailored meals.

In fact, in the last year alone, we sourced, received and distributed more than seven billion pounds of food – and of that more than two billion were nutrient-rich items like produce, protein or dairy.

Nutritious food like produce is critical for a healthy life, but it can be out of reach for millions of people. That’s why the Feeding America network is helping ensure neighbors have access to fresh food – which is an important tool to prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“Not long ago, I was at my doctor’s office and saw a flyer for a food bank program that was teaching people how to eat healthy and on a budget,” said Kaycee (at left), who visits a nutrition education program hosted by Second Harvest Inland Northwest, a member of the Feeding America network in Spokane, Washington.

“I thought, ‘wow, that really rings true to my situation since I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol and am on a budget.’”

Each week, Kaycee learns a new recipe at the food bank’s teaching kitchen. The recipes are healthy, and often include locally-sourced ingredients and fruit and vegetables that students might not know how to cook with. 

After the class, students take home a bag of healthy food and recipes, which often includes the ingredients to make the meal they practiced that day in the kitchen. 

“As far as health, my blood sugar went from like 130 to now almost 100,” she said. “So it's almost normal now. Because I've learned how to use whole foods and learned different options instead of processed foods, it's been really helpful.”