By: Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, Food Marketing Institute
Both food banks and supermarkets play vital roles in local communities, and now, more than ever before, we have joined forces to help make sure those who need food the most have access to it. The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Feeding America have recently reached a more formalized agreement of recognition and collaboration. The acknowledged history of synergy between the two organizations has been given a new structure to encourage and enable even greater connections among FMI members and Feeding America’s food bank partners.
The report Decades of Donations: The 2012 Survey of the Food Retail Industry’s Support of Food Banks found that U.S. grocery stores represent the top donation stream for Feeding America’s network of food banks. Nearly all (99%) of food retailers who responded to the FMI survey indicated they support a food bank by donating food. More than one-fifth (21%) of retailers reported donating more than 1 million pounds of food, and more than one-third (36 %) of the retailers donated at least 100,000 pounds. This food supports the more than 46.5 million Americans, including 12 million children, who experience food insecurity.
Food retailers have a longstanding tradition of active involvement in their respective communities. By assisting food banks and enabling their customers to join in that effort, food retailers extend the reach of that neighborhood support to those in need of basic nutritional sustenance. In this new partnership, Feeding America food banks will be able to better connect with FMI members to form strong food donation channels and help those in their communities who need it most.
In addition, FMI congratulates Diana Aviv on her recent selection as Feeding America’s new chief executive officer. With her wealth of experience in mobilizing citizens, nonprofits, businesses, and government to solve community needs, she will bring leadership in strengthening the work supermarkets and local food banks perform together and we look forward to working closely with her on that effort.
As natural partners working even more closely together, supermarkets and food banks can move America closer to the goal of being hunger-free.
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
