How Food Banks and Food Pantries Function
Diane Kaern has proven her skills in motivating others, serving as an analytics and reporting manager for the Hewlett-Packard Company. A supporter of the homeless outreach program in her community, Diane Kaern has served in the local church pantry. Church or food pantries are often confused with food banks. However, these two resources are different entities. A food bank is designed for community use and serves as a storehouse for an entire town or city, usually distributing resources to community organizations in need. On the other hand, a food pantry is set up to directly serve residents in need. Food or church pantries typically distribute food to residents monthly. Food bank food is received from one of a number of channels, including retailers, wholesalers, local growers, and food processing companies. Food banks usually distribute to senior programs, church or food pantries, and soup kitchens in the community. Direct service programs are another way for organizations to distribute food. These programs assist people in need directly through federally funded outreach or mobile delivery. In turn, children, homeless people, and seniors in the service area can obtain necessary sustenance that is free of charge.