food bank

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of food bank¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

She said she also uses a food bank as it is difficult to buy additional food while living on the £9.95 a week she receives from the government.

From BBC

Volunteers at a food bank say they are having to make changes to the services they offer because of a reduction in donations.

From BBC

The food bank said it sees peaks and troughs in numbers throughout the year, but added there had been an overall increase in people needing support in 2025.

From BBC

A single dad-of-three said he was forced to move in with his parents and rely on a food bank when "things just went downhill quick" after losing his job.

From BBC

The number of people struggling with hunger has risen so much food banks say they can barely cope.

From BBC