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.

The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) and StormFisher Biogas, an Ontario-based renewable energy utility, have joined forces to launch Plan Zero, a province-wide social enterprise that will generate renewable electricity from food industry surplus and by-products that are destined for landfills.

Increasingly, pregnancy care centers are embracing an holistic approach when addressing pregnancy crisis situations by offering parenting programs, prenatal care classes, clothing and food banks, life skills classes and more.

We all use drive-thrus - fast food, banks and even pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS. I love the convenience - I can make a deposit at the bank, pick up a prescription and grab some Super Tacos at Jack in the Box, all while in my pajamas. What spoils the whole experience of a drive-thru? Those who don't follow proper drive-thru ettiquette

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

If you just gave $10 dollars to each of these charities or helping organizations--Second Harvest Food Bank, My New Red Shoes, One Laptop Per Child, and FreeRice.com--your $40 would literally help thousands of children and adults to not go hungry, increase their self-esteem, and improve their lives dramatically through the power of technology.