
Food Bank
- Year Started 1967
- Administratering Agency Food banks are administered by a variety of organizations, including nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and government agencies.
- Total Units Count There are over 200 food banks in the United States.
- Total Assisted Units Count There are over 46 million people who use food banks each year.
- # Persons / Houshold Served Food banks serve low-income individuals and families.
- Funding Agency Food banks are funded by a variety of sources, including the federal government, state governments, local governments, and private donations.
- Population Targeted Food banks target low-income individuals and families who are food insecure.
- Client Group Type Food banks serve low-income individuals and families.
- Housing Type Name Food banks are not housing facilities.
If the resource information above is incorrect, please notify your local HUD field office.
A food bank is a non-profit, charitable organization that strives to put an end to hunger in the United States and distributes food via intermediaries like food banks or pantries to needy people. The first food bank was established in 1967, named St. Mary’s food bank. Afterward, thousands of food banks were set up all over the world.
People who have low incomes or cannot afford food for themselves can get food from food banks. The research conducted by Feeding America reveals that 42 Million Americans and 13 Million children are struggling with hunger in the United States. Consequently, the growth of food banks is seen as an instance of caring citizenship.
Food banks act as warehouses instead of supplying food directly to the end users. Other food banks prefer distributing the food directly to hungry people. As food banks are run by charity, these put greater emphasis on salvaging food that otherwise would go to waste.
The food bank also encourages voluntarism. The food banks run by unions encourage feeding the hungry by any means like providing them with work and explaining civil rights to the users. The cities in the U.S. have a single food bank which in turn serves hundred front-line agencies.
Most of the food from Food banks comes from the leftover food from the normal processes. It can come from farmers who have produced the food in excess or from manufacturers or retailers.
Besides distributing the food, the food bank also ensures that the food is safe and legal to distribute and consume. Sometimes, food banks buy food at discounted prices from manufacturers or wholesalers.
USDA Support For Food Banks
USDA regularly invests in organizations like food banks to support the communities and provide healthy and nutritious food on their table. USDA not only invests in food purchases but also in health and nutrition, infrastructure, local food systems, and promoting access to a better future.
Affordable Housing 411 understands the significance of food banks and this is why, we provide a directory of food banks across the country so that it becomes easy for you to locate the nearest food bank. We are on a mission to end hunger and promote healthy and nutritious food among people via sustainable practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Statutory and Regulatory Authority

Statutes
Section 202, Housing Act of 1959
- 12 U.S.C.A. § 1701q
Section 811, National Affordable Housing Act of 1990
- 42 U.S.C.A § 8013
Select HUD Regulations
- 24 C.F.R. Part 247 (evictions)
- 24 C.F.R. Part 891 (supportive housing for the elderly and persons with disabilities)
HUD Resources

For more information, search to contact your local HUD .