How We Work

Feeding America is a Network

Our organization is made up of individuals, local food banks, national offices, as well as corporate and government partners. Together, we are bigger, better, stronger and more efficient than the sum of our parts. Working as a cohesive system is the only way we can truly solve the hunger crisis.

Securing Food

Feeding America works with large corporate donors to secure food and grocery products on a national level to distribute, as needed, to local food banks. The relationship that the Feeding America organization builds with larger corporations also helps facilitate a relationship between your local food bank and your local grocery store, for example.

Providing Funds

Through a grant process, Feeding America provides national funding to local food banks. It’s easier and more efficient for a single, larger charity to procure grants, than it would be for many local food banks to compete for a limited amount of funds. The grants that our organization receives are most often created to fund innovation at the local level, so that food banks can test new and better ways to secure and distribute food.

Standardizing Care

Because we’re a national organization, we can work toward ensuring that all food bank members across the country are equally and properly trained. We also help set standards for food safety, financial systems and record keeping as well as transportation and donor relations.

Advocating

Because we are a national group, it’s easier for us to give a voice to those who aren’t heard. Because of our strong relationship with the U.S. government, Feeding America is the primary recipient of government commodities, such as those from the Emergency Food Assistance Program. As a charity with national reach, we can engage the public and raise awareness of this critical issue on a national and local level.

Food Distribution

At times of natural disaster, or simply in everyday business, working as a national organization helps us to see where needs are strongest. One local food bank may receive an excess of a certain commodity, while another is feeling a need for that product. Moving food and employees where they are needed most is a strategic advantage in the fight against hunger.