What does the Feeding America network do?
Feeding America helps local food banks with food, funds, and capacity building so that together we can serve more of our neighbors facing hunger across the United States. See a full list of partner food banks >



Food banks in the network collect, sort, and store food donations and distribute food to local food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and meal programs. Food pantries and meal programs in the network then distribute the food directly to individuals and families in their communities. These organizations may also provide additional services like nutrition education and job training.

What is a food bank?
A food bank is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to hunger-relief charities and community organizations like food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. They work with local grocery stores, restaurants, and other food donors to gather surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.
Food banks in the U.S. are very diverse. Some are small and serve people across a large rural area. Others are very large and distribute many millions of pounds of food each year. All food banks rely on donors and volunteers to carry out their mission.

Food Banks
A food bank is a warehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community.
Food Pantries
A food pantry is an organization that distributes food directly to people.