There are so many people working towards ending hunger every day – volunteers, food bank staff, food pantries, donors, and more – they all play a crucial role in ensuring neighbors facing hunger have the food we all need to thrive. But what about the people who grow the food we eat? Does Feeding America work with farmers to help provide food?
Yes, absolutely! Farmers play a critical role in the movement to end hunger. Here are three ways Feeding America works with farmers every day.
Rescuing food for neighbors facing hunger
Sometimes, farmers grow more produce than expected. Instead of discarding that food, Feeding America partners with farmers to deliver that food to local food banks. In fact, Feeding America is the nation’s largest food rescue organization. Every year, Feeding America helps rescue more than four billion pounds of food - and we're working toward rescuing an additional 1 billion pounds of food annually.
Supporting local food systems
Farmers grow food, but they are also an important part of growing and sustaining communities. So, Feeding America works with farmers across the country to source and distribute fresh, local produce for people who might otherwise not have access to it. Additionally, Feeding America builds relationships with farmers who face obstacles that come from unfair systems that limit opportunities and prevent people from reaching their full potential.
Advocating to protect access to nutritious food
Farmers are some of our nation’s strongest advocates for increasing food donations that help support our neighbors facing hunger. Feeding America is proud to advocate alongside farmers to help strengthen federal nutrition programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).