H-E-B/GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute
Each March, delegates from all over the world gather at the H-E-B / GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute in San Antonio, Texas. Together with GFN staff, food and grocery industry representatives, and experts on global food security, participants focus on their common commitment to reducing hunger 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.
Over the past four years, more than 120 participants representing 42 countries have attended.
empowering existing food banks
The Institute is an opportunity to gain knowledge and insight in order to strengthen and expand existing food bank operations. Participants share their experiences, participate in panel 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 take home and implement in their food banks and networks. Which in turn means enhancing operations, achieving broader impact, and feeding more hungry people.
initiating new food bank development
Leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that address issues of poverty and malnutrition and government representatives in countries without food banks attend the Institute to gain tools and resources to jump-start their projects. The Institute allows participants to experience food bank operations first-hand through personalized tours of the world-class San Antonio Food Bank. Participants also hear presentations on How Food Banks Work and Building a National Network from GFN Staff, and receive Toolkits and Keys to Success resource materials. 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.
program
The week-long event features best practices, case studies, panel discussions, breakout sessions, in-depth presentations, and tours of local food banks and food supply facilities. Participants are also give ample time to network with one another, so they can share strategies, visions, and success stories.
Here is an overview of the Institute’s curriculum:
- Food Bank Development
Topics include: how food banks work, building a National Network, economics of a food bank, how technology facilitates the development of a food bank, and building a strong funding base.
- Food and Grocery Product Sourcing and the Industry Perspective
Topics and activities include: traditional and non-traditional food sources, identifying needs and finding donors, how to develop and grow a relationship with a retailer, supply chain management and inventory control, upstream and downstream unsaleables, and sourcing more fresh produce.
- Fundraising and Marketing
Topics include: case studies - unique programs and events, cause marketing, foundation and corporate relations, creating a fundraising plan, public relations and donor services, building a food bank website, and social media.
- Public Policy
Topics include: food banks as a pillar of the global safety net, food bank/ government relations, public policy issues facing food banks and the grocery industry, ad public policy from a global perspective.
If you are interested in attending the H-E-B / GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute, contact Maurice Weaver.
making an impact
During the past four years more than 120 participants representing 42 countries have attended the H-E-B / GFN Food Bank Leadership Institute.
The result...
GFN trains and inspires the next generation of food bank leaders, utilizing the power of a Global Network.
The benefits...
- Take home lessons and resources to improve food bank operations.
- New relationships - food banks are each other's greatest resource for solving problems and spurring innovation. During the week, participants get to meet face to face, and continue communications long after the event, through GFN supported online discussion groups.
- Resource materials, toolkits, and case studies participants share with their networks and food banks, or use the information to begin building new food banks.
- Opportunities for collaboration and joint projects.
- Unique program ideas
- Food Bank mentor relationships
- A collective voice against hunger and unity in the powerful solution of food banks
- The growth of a global network
The future
- Provide more scholarships for food bank professionals to attend the annual institute, and extend invitations to representatives from countries who have never participated.
- Develop regional based trainings
- Create virtual training tools
- Build a robust alumni network to help food banks continue to learn from each other and share resources and ideas even after they return home.
Sponsors
Get Involved
Next Institute
February 28 - March 4, 2011
San Antonio, Texas USA
Optional trip to Monterrey, Mexico
Contact Maurice Weaver to learn more about the Institute.
You can help support this vital educational opportunity and provide valuable training for passionate professionals from around the world. Your support creates stronger, more efficient food banks, and helps provide food for millions of hungry people.
For information on corporate sponsorship opportunities contact Cathe Wood, GFN Director of Development
