Hundreds of non-profit human service agencies receive food from the food banks. These include church pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, hospice programs, low-income day care centers and senior nutritional programs. Nearly 30 million pounds of food were distributed in 1999, saving agencies millions of dollars in food purchase costs. No, food comes into the food banks in truckload quantities and is distributed to member agencies. These agencies provide direct service to those in need.
Agencies pay some of the cost of operation in the form of handling fees or shared maintenance.
Some food banks receive a very small amount of federal funding through the FEMA or USDA program. A large percentage of funds are received from donations by corporations, churches, foundations, civic groups, United Ways and individuals. None of the above. Food banks are non-profit organizations, privately operated, under the umbrella of America's Second Harvest food bank network.