food bank

American  

noun

1. an agency, group, or center that collects food and distributes it to people experiencing food insecurity.

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Etymology

Origin of food bank

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

A security guard told her the agency wasn’t doing in-person interviews, so she headed to a food bank instead.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

At times, she hasn’t received fruit in the boxes she receives from the food bank.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

The supplies, which come from shops, restaurants and train operators, are then split between I Am Reusable's food bank and schools.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The food bank said more than two-fifths of people who come to them make only one visit a year but 17% return six times or more.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

She left a note telling me she was going to spend the day reorganizing the food bank.

From "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz