In 2023, approx 2.3 billion people worldwide Experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, often going without food for an entire day or more. Food banks are at the forefront of this crisis. Although the Global Food Banking Network has provided 1.7 billion meals for over 40 million people In 2023, further progress is required.
So, what role should food and beverage companies play?
“Many food banks require staples such as long-life milk and fresh produce,” explains Rashna Shroff, Nestlé Australia’s Community Programs and Partnerships Manager. “But often food bank organizations that rely on donations can struggle to meet demand and often look for institutional support,” he adds.
To help food banks address food insecurity, companies like Nestlé are stepping up In 2023, Nestlé donated 140 million food servings worldwide.
“Besides donating stock, a company like Nestle can do a lot,” shares Shroff. “Our brands intentionally partner with food banks, our employees volunteer their time to pack food boxes or pick up donations, and we also fund programs like nutrition education initiatives.”
Here’s how it’s going globally. In Indonesia, children experience high rates of stuntingDue to chronic malnutrition. Nestlé Indonesia collaborates with local partner Edufarmers to focus on their ZeroStunting program Nutrition issues and strengthening communities. These include product donations and educational programs to improve nutrition awareness. And it’s working, a program they’ve collaborated on Reduced serious stunting rates by 28%in 100 days.
In the United States,One of the eightStruggles with hunger. Nestlé USA has partnered Feeding America Like the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, and local food access groups read-allAn urban farm in Cleveland, Ohio, to strengthen urban farming initiatives and community food systems.
Below, Nestlé has partnered with Australia Foodbank AustraliaTo mitigate a common challenge facing food relief organizations: inconsistent food donations. Food banks often receive a haphazard assortment of items, making it difficult for families to prepare balanced, nutritious meals. To alleviate this, Nestlé Australia has worked with many industry partners Maggie Hearty One Pot CasseroleA recipe base designed to make delicious and nutritious meals with foods found in relief packages. It was the first product designed for a foodbank, and has helped create more since its creation in 2021. 1.2 million meals a year. “Our number one goal is to help feed more people,” says Rashna Shroff
Companies can empower food banks by leveraging resources such as staff, inventory and supply chain. Successful partnerships built on strong relationships, local needs assessment and sustainable systems can make a lasting impact on the billions of people who need food every year.
