Food Bank Leadership Institute

Every year, participants from all over the world gather at the Food Bank Leadership Institute (FBLI). Together with GFN staff, food and grocery industry representatives, and experts on global food security, participants focus on their common commitment to reducing hunger and food waste in their local communities through the advancement of food banking.

The Food Bank Leadership Institute is a vital part of achieving GFN’s mission to alleviate world hunger. While we have food bank development projects underway in numerous countries, we are unable to respond to every opportunity that presents itself. By carefully selecting and training credible, capable and committed representatives from countries where food banking presents a viable solution, we enhance our ability to promote food banking around the world.

Over the past seven years, the Institute has hosted 211 individuals from 49 countries.

 

Empowering Existing Food Banks

The Institute provides an opportunity for GFN to share knowledge and insight in order to strengthen and expand existing food bank operations. Participants also share their experiences, participate in group discussions, and build relationships with fellow food bankers and industry representatives. Most importantly, participants hear about case studies and best practices, and learn about new programs and initiatives they can employ in their home communities. This helps GFN in its efforts to empower food banks to enhance operations, achieve broader impact, and feed more hungry people.

Initiating New Food Bank Development

Leaders of non-governmental organizations that address issues of poverty and malnutrition and government representatives in countries without food banks attend the Institute to gain tools and resources to facilitate their efforts to initiate food banking. The Institute allows participants to experience food bank operations first-hand through tours of US food banks in the host city. Participants also hear presentations on how food banks work and how to engage the right stakeholders to create a food banking system. In addition, the week is an opportunity to network with other food bank leaders, and learn from some of the most mature and successful food bank networks in the world. All of this activity enhances the capacity of GFN to achieve its mission of alleviating hunger around the world by promoting food bank development.

Support from the Food and Grocery Industry

The food and grocery products industry has historically been supportive of the Food Bank Leadership Institute. H-E-B, one of the largest independent food retailers in the United States, was the first to partner with GFN in making the Leadership Institute happen, and has  provided significant in-kind support in addition to financial sponsorship. In addition to H-E-B, key support over the years has been provided by Bank of America, BBVA Compass, Cargill, DLA Piper LLP (US), General Mills Foundation, Kellogg Company, Mondelez International, and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, among others.

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Highlights from the 2013 Food Bank Leadership Institute

Interested in attending the Institute? Contact us for more information.