In an era of ongoing uncertainty and disruptions, new data shows food banks are resilient, growing organizations supporting thousands of communities around the globe

Amidst global economic uncertainty, conflict and cuts to foreign aid, new data from The Global FoodBanking Network shows food banks in the network across 46 countries served 38 million people and increased distribution of food and other grocery products by 17% to 762 million kilograms in 2024. The figure is the network’s highest outside of 2020, which saw exceptionally high demand for food banks during COVID-19 lockdowns.

The network’s growth was driven by sustained high demand and food banks’ agility in recovering food along all links of the supply chain, from farms all the way down to restaurants.

“With ongoing shocks to communities around the globe, food banks have proven to be resilient as they significantly increased the amount of food they distributed in 2024, delivering the equivalent of 2.1 billion meals,” said Lisa Moon, president and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network. “Food banks provide critical food support and reduce waste by constantly adapting to the needs of those they serve, from dense urban settings to rural areas and communities of every size in between.”

In 2024, members of the network increased agricultural recovery — collecting produce from farms, packhouses and markets — to 147 million kilograms, double compared to just five years ago. Thirty-five food banks, or 65% of the network, now have agricultural recovery programs.

Thanks to this work, food bank deliveries continue to be highly nutritious, and the most common product people receive from food banks — 41% of the total — are fruits and vegetables. Including other foods like legumes, grains, seeds, nuts, dairy and animal protein, 58% of all food distributed by food banks is highly nutritious.

The new data also reinforces the unique position of food banking in addressing our planet’s greatest challenges: the ability to simultaneously address hunger and climate change. While feeding 38 million people, food banks also kept 512 million kilograms of food out of landfills, the equivalent of 1.9 million metric tons of CO2e. That’s the same climate impact as taking 443,000 gasoline power cars off the road.

Food banks not only served their communities in 2024 — they were powered by them. Across 46 countries, 436,000 people volunteered at food banks in 2024, a 40% increase over the previous year. At a time of political, economic and environmental uncertainty, food banks served as a hub where communities unite and thrive.

To arrange an interview with The GlobalFoodbanking Network and speak to or visit one of our food bank partners, please contact James Fredrick, jfredrick@foodbanking.org, +1(872) 213-1245

SOBRE A REDE GLOBAL FOODBANKING
Food banking offers a solution to both chronic hunger and the climate crisis. GFN works with partners in over 50 countries to redirect surplus, healthy food to those who need it. In 2024, our network provided food to 38 million people, reducing food waste and creating healthy, resilient communities. We help the food system function as it should: nourishing people and the planet together. Learn more at foodbanking.org.

*Does not include data from partner organizations, Feeding America (U.S.A) and the European Federation of Food Banks. Members of GFN’s New Food Bank Development Program do not submit data.