Global FoodBanking Network provides critical resources to world's most vulnerable communities


11/11/2022

GFN aims to address food security issues in the most vulnerable areas in Southeast Asia.


The Nutrition for Zero Hunger initiative (NFZH) has made significant progress in its efforts to nourish communities and help end hunger worldwide over the last three years. However, the crisis is worsening for a variety of reasons, including headwinds in accessing healthy food, economic downturns following western sanctions on Russia, population growth, climate change; these  are some of the factors that are contributing to global malnutrition and food insecurity.

Hunger is a complex issue that requires a joint effort from policymakers, civil society, and the private sector. We recognize that we cannot solve the world's problems alone. That is why we are thrilled to be working with The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) to provide critical resources and expertise to the world's most vulnerable communities. GFN supports community-driven hunger-relief solutions in nearly 50 countries.

Functions of the Global FoodBanking Network
The Global FoodBanking Network encourages the establishment of food banks and demonstrates how to run them in partnership with local leaders. GFN works with food bank leaders to develop strategy and connects them with peers in other countries to increase food distribution and build more efficient and resilient food systems. GFN also assists newer food banks in their efforts to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste through its Food Bank Incubator Program. These collaborative efforts result in long-term solutions that unite and strengthen food banks while also having a positive impact on communities by empowering them to defeat hunger and improve their lives.

We are thrilled to invest $300,000 in GFN over the next two years, thanks to funding from the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation, to address these issues in the most vulnerable areas, specifically the Food Bank Incubator Program in Southeast Asia.

Food Security in Southeast Asia
What distinguishes Asia? Asia is home to more than half of all undernourished people, according to the World Health Organization. Climate change has had a significant impact on crop production in the region, putting pressure on the food system, making it critical to establish a network of local food banks to assist these communities.

Thanks to this grant and partnership, we will be able to reach more people in Southeast Asia over the next two years. It will provide people in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines with sustainable food practices, a network of local organizations, and an expansion of food banks. It will also improve their ability to respond to future food crises.

Food Bank Incubator Program
The Food Bank Incubator Program assists newer food banks in succeeding by providing technical assistance, coaching, and training to leaders. The GFN expert team has more than 60 years of combined experience in food bank management and expansion, including 14 years in the field globally. Because of their collaboration, tailored technical assistance, and operational guidance, leaders are able to focus on collecting and distributing food to those in need.

Furthermore, the program prioritizes ways to reduce food loss and waste through the recovery and distribution of safe, wholesome surplus food. It encourages producers and suppliers to increase product donations in order to avoid food waste. This infrastructure helps to build a more resilient food bank model, which feeds healthier communities and a healthier planet.

“Our partnership with Herbalife Nutrition is built on a shared understanding of the severity of the global hunger crisis and a common purpose – to nourish our communities and achieve Zero Hunger,” said Lisa Moon, The Global FoodBanking Network’s president and CEO. “With the support from the Nutrition for Zero Hunger initiative, we can ensure we have the capabilities, food, staff and equipment we need to continue supporting and expanding the Network that serves so many.”

Herbalife Nutrition, a global nutrition leader, is committed to assisting in the abolition of world hunger. Our NFZH initiative enables us to provide global communities with local nutrition, education, and empowerment. As a result of this new partnership with GFN, we will be able to make even more positive impacts in these communities while also providing an inclusive and sustainable approach to creating a healthier future.