HOUSTON, TX, U.S.A.— March 17, 2017 — Food bank leaders from 32 countries convened in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. from March 13-16 for the 11th Annual Food Bank Leadership Institute (FBLI). FBLI, which took place at the Houston Food Bank, is the preeminent international forum dedicated to alleviating world hunger and reducing food waste through food banking.
The event, convened by The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), provided a platform to exchange best practices, get updates on emerging trends in the food and agriculture industry, and receive technical training for GFN members and those who are dedicated to supporting food banks as a solution to hunger and food waste. Sessions aimed to improve food bank operations, present proven programming approaches on topics such as nutrition and produce rescue, and offer networking opportunities with multinational businesses interested in advancing hunger relief and sustainability.
“GFN and its food bank partners are committed to leveraging our existing resources and experiences to meet the hunger and malnutrition needs in communities around the world,” said Lisa Moon, GFN President and Chief Executive Officer. “FBLI provides a platform to share proven approaches and to learn about emerging trends affecting those working in hunger relief. This information is vital to making sure our work is as impactful as it can be.”
At this year’s FBLI GFN presented the first-ever Global Food Bank Innovation Award to Tider, a food bank network in Turkey. The award was created to recognize and celebrate an innovative program that exceptionally increased the food bank’s ability to meet hunger needs in its community. Eight finalists presented their program to FBLI attendees, who were then asked to vote to determine the winner of the award. Tider’s program, Support HR, won for its sustainable approach to lifting people out of poverty. In addition to providing food to those in need, Tider offers food bank recipients with human resources services. It helps candidates develop resumes and matches their skills with hiring companies, ultimately setting them on a path toward self sufficiency.
“Each award submission had a unique approach to strengthening the impact of the food bank on hunger and malnutrition,” said Ms. Moon. “The results and creativity of each program were inspiring, and we congratulate Tider for receiving such positive recognition from its peers.”
FBLI 2017 Sponsors H-E-B, the Texas-based supermarket chain, has been a generous annual partner since in FBLI’s inception in 2006. “H-E-B believes that hunger is unacceptable and we continue to support The Global FoodBanking Network’s efforts in fighting hunger through local food banks around the world,” said Danny Flores, Senior Public Affairs Manager, H-E-B.This year’s FBLI Flagship Sponsors are H-E-B and General Mills Foundation. The Leadership Sponsor is Kellogg’s. The Sustaining Sponsors are Cargill and the DLA Piper Foundation. The Next Generation Sponsors are Bank of America, Griffith Foods and Ingredion.
About The Global FoodBanking Network The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) is a non-profit organization that nourishes the world’s hungry through launching and strengthening food banks in more than 30 countries. Last year GFN member food banks rescued 930 million pounds of food and redirected it to feed more than 6.8 million people through 27,000 social service organizations. For more information please visit foodbanking.org.
About H-E-B H-E-B, with sales of more than $23 billion, operates more than 380 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2015. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 96,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com.
About General Mills General Mills is a leading global food company that serves the world by making food people love. Its brands include Cascadian Farm, Cheerios, Annie’s, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Fiber One, Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2016 worldwide sales of US $17.6 billion, including the company’s US $1.0 billion proportionate share of joint-venture net sales.
