While the Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) may not yet match the reach of U.S. based Feeding America, its members, primarily operating in emerging or developing countries, are quickly making strides to catch up in several important areas. According to data from 54 GFN members, global food banks distributed the equivalent of 1.7 billion meals in 2023, marking a 25% increase over the previous year. By comparison, Feeding America’s 200+ food banks and affiliates distributed 5.3 billion meals in the same period.

Lisa Moon, President and CEO of the Global FoodBanking Network, highlighted how technology will help global food banks scale up their impact. Food rescue apps, similar to Feeding America’s MealConnect, are expected to significantly boost the reach of GFN food banks by allowing food donors, such as restaurants and grocery stores, to contribute through an app. These apps enable food banks to collect donations and distribute food without needing to invest heavily in infrastructure like trucks or warehouses.

GFN is already working with providers like Ireland-based FoodCloud to facilitate connections between food donors and local partner agencies that can handle the logistics of picking up and distributing the donated food. This approach bypasses the need for food banks to get involved in transportation or storage. In 2023, food distributed through such apps increased from 5% to 11% of total distribution within the GFN network. Moon anticipates this figure could reach 30% within the next three years. “We are really focused on these technology tools. We think it is potentially not just the best way to scale, but for many members, it’s going to be the only way to meaningfully scale with the kind of financial environment that we’re in,” Moon explained.

When it comes to nutrition, global food banks also compare favorably with their U.S. counterparts. Fresh produce represents the largest single category of food distributed, accounting for 40% of total volume. When other nutritious food items, such as grains, nuts, and dairy, are factored in, the percentage rises to nearly 60%. One key driver of this fresh produce distribution is agricultural recovery, which grew by 35% last year. Food recovered directly from farms now accounts for about 20% of GFN’s total volume, and Moon expects this figure to double to 40% in the next three years.

Another area where GFN members distinguish themselves is their attention to the environmental impact of food banking. While Feeding America does not track carbon dioxide mitigation, GFN estimates that its operations prevented the equivalent of 1.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2023—comparable to taking 400,000 cars off the road. The focus on climate change is especially significant in the regions where GFN operates, many of which are feeling the effects of climate change more acutely than other parts of the world. “Climate change is not a political issue like it is in the U.S.,” Moon noted. “They’re seeing firsthand the damage that it can do.”

In terms of overall reach, GFN served 41 million people in 2023, a significant increase from the 31 million served the year prior. The network has also expanded geographically, growing from 54 organizations in 44 countries in 2022 to 63 organizations in 54 countries in 2023.

As the Global FoodBanking Network continues to embrace technological solutions, expand its agricultural recovery efforts, and prioritize environmental impact, it is poised to play an increasingly critical role in global hunger relief, demonstrating that food banks in emerging economies can rapidly scale and innovate to meet growing challenges.