The premise of food banking is straightforward yet impactful. It involves identifying and collecting surplus food along the supply chain and redistributing it to those facing hunger. Food banks are deeply ingrained in their communities, serving as a crucial lifeline during both chronic need and times of crisis. As witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, they play a vital role in providing food to people displaced by disasters, conflicts, and economic shocks.
Hidden Benefits: Protecting the Planet While Feeding the Hungry
Every year, a staggering 1.3 billion tons of food are lost or wasted across the supply chain. When this food is discarded, it decomposes and releases methane, a potent climate pollutant. Estimates suggest that the vast volumes of food sent to landfill account for approximately 20% of current methane emissions. Methane has a short life cycle, and if the world can slow the current rate of emissions, significant reductions can be achieved in just 10 years, helping to combat global warming.In a pilot project involving six food banks in Mexico and Ecuador, it was found that through food recovery and redistribution, each local food bank reduced emissions equivalent to removing 900 gasoline-powered cars from the road for a year. When considering the hundreds of food banks operating in over 80 countries globally, this represents an enormous potential to reduce emissions. Additionally, food banks provide critical food to people, reduce hunger, and strengthen local communities. Last year alone, food banks in the GFN's network reached 40 million people.Challenges and Solutions
Despite the clear benefits of reducing food waste, many companies still choose to send wholesome food to landfills rather than donate to food banks. This highlights the need for additional policies and incentives. Governments can take the first step by providing liability protection to companies, similar to the Good Samaritan Law in the United States. For example, the Food Bank Singapore has recently implemented a similar law, and Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador have also done so. Tax incentives for companies that donate to food banks and other organizations can also encourage more donations and reduce waste, as seen in Colombia with the new law supported by the Colombian Association of Food Banks (ABACO).Policymakers can also address confusing date labels on food packaging. In the UK, they have improved these labels to distinguish between quality and safety dates, reducing food waste. Currently, only five countries factor food loss and waste into their national climate commitments at the UN. However, the dual impact of food banks on hunger and the climate is increasingly being recognized. Ecuador's Banco de Alimentos Quito, a participating food bank in the pilot research, has been involved in discussions with the government on its ambitious climate policy. The FRAME methodology allows lawmakers to factor emissions reductions from food redistribution into national climate strategies while setting national food loss and waste targets. Food redistribution as a climate solution is gaining momentum in international forums like the COP climate talks.Short-Term Impact and Future Potential
With better data and a stronger evidence base, governments and the private sector can work together with non-governmental organizations to unlock the potential of food recovery and redistribution, including food banks. In the short term, food banks can address the pressing global challenges of hunger and methane emissions, while driving the transition of our food systems towards a more sustainable and equitable future. By continuing to support and expand food banking initiatives, we can make a significant difference in both feeding the hungry and protecting our planet.