FOOD BANKS BECOME FOOD HUBS

The nation’s 200 plus food banks provide healthy food for those in need. The network of food banks and their affiliated agencies like food pantries and shelters distributes more than 2.5 billion pounds of food each year. Food banks also have a vested interest in building stronger local economies and creating additional opportunities for the communities they serve. To this end many are positioning themselves to become food hubs that aggregate and distribute local foods, which, in turn, help open up new markets for farmers and increase availability of local foods. Food banks that provide marketing assistance, storage, aggregation, and distribution services are popping up all over the country.

 

Source: USDA, 6/18/14, Food Hubs