Food banks have varying strategies for distributing food and there is no general consensus on the best approach. Some food banks continue to use mass drive-through distributions, which became popular during the pandemic, while others have phased them out. Traditional pantry networks are evolving, and technology is being utilized to support new methods of food distribution, although adoption rates differ.

San Antonio Food Bank, known for its large drive-through distributions during the pandemic, still offers them as part of its “Everybody Eats Program.” They distribute about 2.5 million pounds of food each month, with 42% going through mass distributions and the rest through a curbside program. The food bank utilizes the Meal Connect for Service Insights software to better understand their clients’ needs and complement the work of their agency partners.

Atlanta Community Food Bank focuses on using its network of partners, aiming to provide consistent, convenient, and equitable access to food. Their strategic plan enhances the pantry experience by extending hours, allowing scheduling of pick-up times, and even pre-ordering food. The food bank invests in capacity-building equipment, such as freezers and coolers, and collaborates with volunteer organizations to expand resources.

Food Bank of Delaware phased out mass drive-through distributions but reintroduced them strategically when needed. They encourage people to visit community-based pantries in their neighborhoods, as well as provide daily mobile pantries. The food bank balances publicizing smaller pantry-led distributions with the capacity of their partner pantries to avoid traffic congestion.

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank adopts a multi-pronged approach, combining large-scale monthly distributions with efforts to enhance its pantry network. They are exploring different methods of registration for mass distributions, including pre-registration and digital scanning. They are also intentional in selecting new partnerships based on existing community services and have a food access innovation team dedicated to ensuring effective collaborations and filling service gaps.

Food banks do not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather tailor their distribution methods to meet the needs of their communities. They scale up during emergencies, but each food bank determines the strategies that work best for their specific circumstances. There is recognition that diverse approaches can be equally effective and beneficial for their clients.