A food bank is a place where food, both non-perishable goods and perishable goods like fresh produce, frozen items, and baker products, are offered to nonprofit agencies for distribution to people who may not be able to afford food. These agencies are typically non-profit organizations or run as part of a church or community outreach group. A food bank is like the wholesale arm of the food distribution system for those living in poverty. Other agencies are the retail arm and serve people directly. The term "food bank" is not protected by law, however, and is sometimes used by these agencies directly serving those in need of food.Food banks often get the food from companies or supermarkets with unsaleable stock, and also from donations from the general public, especially around holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition, the US Government and state governments often contract with food banks to distribute USDA surplus commodities. In addition, food banks who are members of America's Second Harvest, the nation's food bank network, are able to take advantage of relationships with major manufacturers. Instead of calling the more than 200 food banks across the country, a manufacturer with several semiloads of product to donate can make just one phone call.The first food bank was St. Mary's Food Bank, started in 1967 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Help tackle hunger. . .bring canned goods to Sunday's game against the Chargers. . . .The Raiders are teaming up with the Alameda County Community Food Bank, and will help provide children, seniors and families food for the holidays. Fans are asked to drop off nonperishable food items at any of the red food barrels located at the entrance gates mo

Throughout the holiday season, WINK NEWS FEEDS FAMILIES has been raising money for the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

The Small Business Specialist Community is a competitive landscape! It is true that many of us are leaders in what we do, and openly share our achievements, thoughts, aspirations and best practices, however at the end of the day, we are business people and we all have mortgages to pay, pay for the food we […]

November 14, 2007 - Thunder Bay Holiday Trains, decorated with thousands of Christmas lights, runs in partnership with the Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB) and U.S. food collection agencies to raise donations and awareness for the issue of hunger. The Holiday Train program allows employees, customers and communities to come together to h

"Anonymous Friend" gives $100 million to Erie, divided among 46 charities. Food bank, women's center, a group for the blind, 3 universities getting money. President of the Erie Community Foundation vowing to keep donor secret. "What a godsend for some of these agencies," says a community resident.