… and how your company can help.

Getting nutritious food to the people who need it most is an essential part of food banking. But food banks provide so much more than food. Across the globe, food banks serve as powerful hubs for creating stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.

Here are seven ways food banks provide more than food — and how corporate partnerships make it all possible:

1. Food Banks Support Better Health

Access to nutritious food is essential to good health. Many food banks go beyond food distribution to offer nutrition and cooking classes, immunizations, and family wellness services. These efforts are especially critical in communities facing severe malnutrition and where chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension are linked to food insecurity.

• Your support helps food banks distribute nutritious food, offer education and outreach programs, and improve long-term health outcomes for the people they serve.

2. Food Banks Reduce Food Loss and Waste

Globally, more than one-third of all food is wasted. Food banks recover safe, surplus food from farms, manufacturers and retailers, and redirect it to people in need instead of landfills.

• Strong partnerships with food producers and retailers are key. By partnering with GFN, your company can lead in the effort to reduce food loss and waste.

3. Food Banks Help During Crisis

In times of disaster or crisis, food banks are often among the first to respond. Our food bank partners provide immediate, organized relief by leveraging existing networks and local trust to meet their community’s needs.

• Your investment can help food banks prepare and respond when their communities need them most.

4. Food Banks Empower Women

Across the globe, women are much more likely to face hunger — but they’re also leading the response. From operating food banks to running school meal programs, women are central to hunger solutions. In fact, 60% of GFN’s partner organizations are run by women.

• With your support, our food bank partners can expand their programs to address hunger and build economic independence for women and families around the world.

5. Food Banks Bolster Local Economies

By redistributing food that would otherwise go to waste, food banks reduce the burden on local governments and nonprofits and spur economic growth. They also support small-scale farmers through food recovery partnerships.

• Corporate partnerships help food banks scale sustainable solutions that benefit the entire supply chain.

6. Food Banks Fight Climate Change

Wasted food contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Every time a food bank recovers surplus food, it helps shrink this footprint. In 2023 alone, GFN member food banks prevented 1.8 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions.

• Working with food banks is a tangible way for your company to help mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.

7. Food Banks Create Stronger Communities

Food banks don’t just feed people — they work hand in hand with local individuals and families to meet their unique needs. Food banks go above and beyond to respect cultural preferences, provide opportunities for personal choice and connect people to enriching services. Every day, food banks operate with community at their core.

• Together, we can create more equitable food systems that alleviate hunger while strengthening communities.

Partnering with Food Banks Means Building a Better Future

When your company partners with a food bank, you’re not just donating food — you’re helping advance health, sustainability, resilience and equity. That’s what we mean by Más que comida.

Let’s work together to grow this impact. Learn more and connect with our team at bancodealimentos.org.