Country Projects: Argentina

Overview

Food banking began in Argentina in 2001, when a committed group of citizens in Buenos Aires established a food bank modeled on the U.S. approach. With technical assistance from Feeding America (then known as America’s Second Harvest), the food bank launched operations in 2002, and another eight food banks opened the following year.  In 2004, the nine Argentine food banks established Red Argentina de Bancos de Alimentos (Argentine Food Bank Network). Today, food banks operate in 14 cities and another two are under development.

Argentina is a country of nearly 41 million people.  Official reports (from the UN) suggest that 5% of the population (2 million people) is undernourished.  Approximately 2.5% of children under age 5 are underweight.

GFN’s Involvement

Since its inception in 2006, GFN has provided funding from a number of sources to support and expand food banking and awareness of child hunger in Argentina. We have contributed:

  • Funding
  • Strategic expertise
  • Technical expertise in the area of food sourcing
  • Mentoring in the areas of operations and administration.

GFN scholarships to the H-E-B/GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute have been awarded to two staff members from Argentina’s national network and five individuals from food banks over the last three years.  Two representatives from Argentina serve on our Board of Directors.

Progress

The Argentine Food Bank Network has matured both in terms of volume and effectiveness of operations across the country. In 2004, the network held its first annual conference on food security; the event continues to grow in substance every year and is now recognized by the government, private sector and public as the authoritative source for information about hunger and malnutrition in Argentina.

The Argentine network has generously shared its experience and insights to help developing food banks and networks in other countries throughout Latin America.

Learn more about Red Argentina de Bancos de Alimentos.