The Global FoodBanking Network: Food banks served 39 million people in 2021

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) announced that food banks in 44 countries served 39 million people in 2021, demonstrating that need for food assistance is continuing at high levels in the face of rising food prices and disrupted supply chains.

The data is part of GFN’s annual Network survey, and this year’s responses emphasise the importance of a strong network of food banks in times of crises.

“Communities around the world are facing hunger at unprecedented rates. Consistently, food banks are stepping up and using their unique expertise to connect millions of people to nutritious food,” said president and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network, Lisa Moon in a statement.

The 39 million people who sought emergency food assistance is a 128 per cent increase over 2019 pre-COVID levels of service.

Additionally, about 54 per cent of people were served regularly for more than three months during 2021 while 44 per cent of people served visited food banks occasionally, temporarily, or for the first time due to a shift in economic circumstances.

More than three-fourths of people served by GFN member food banks live in emerging and developing market economies.

Most of the people who visited GFN member food banks in 2021—about 24 million—live in Asia and Oceania. Another 8.8 million food bank visitors are from Latin America. Children aged 17 and under comprised more than a third of the total people served.

Food banks, on average, distributed 57 per cent more food and grocery products than the previous year, despite sourcing challenges brought on by breakdowns in supply chains and other factors. The most commonly distributed products are fruits and vegetables—constituting 30 per cent of what an average food bank provides.

While need for hunger relief has been unprecedented, so has the generosity and determination of people partnering within the Network. Nearly 317,000 people volunteered with GFN partner food banks, a 14 per cent increase over 2020, providing more than eight million hours of support.

The Global FoodBanking Network supports community-led solutions to alleviate hunger in more than 40 countries.

-- BERNAMA