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 social supermarket is different to a food bank because users register and then pay £5 per person to select up to 15 items from the range of goods on offer.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

"Nobody should have to worry about whether they will be able to eat. We hope that our food bank will help to support vulnerable people in Wolverhampton whilst they are awaiting support from food banks."

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

She knit preemie caps for the nursery at the nearby hospital, crocheted blankets for the shelter, and helped organize the food bank.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows