The first food bank was established. Concept of food banking began in Phoenix, Arizona.

John van Hengel, a retired businessman, volunteered at a local soup kitchen. Van Hengel decided to set up a warehouse where he could store the donated products and distribute them to charities feeding hungry people in Phoenix.

1970s

Several other food banks started in various cities.

1976

The federal government gave John van Hengel's food bank a grant to assist in developing food banks throughout the nation.

1979

America's Second Harvest soon became the clearinghouse for large donations from national corporations.

1982

Federal funding was discontinued. America's Second Harvest increased its pursuit of alternative sources of financial support.

1984

America's Second Harvest national office moved to Chicago, Illinois.

1980s

With many major cities having food banks, network expansion slowed and America's Second Harvest's focus shifted to improving existing programs.

1999

Organization name change to America’s Second Harvest with a new focused goal on ending hunger in America.

2000

America's Second Harvest merged with Foodchain, the nation's largest food-rescue organization - producing the most comprehensive and efficient charitable food rescue and distribution organization in the country

2005

In order to provide better national alignment for a cohesive food bank network, name changed to America’s Second Harvest — The Nation’s Food Bank Network.

2008

Organization name change to Feeding America to best convey the mission—providing food to Americans living with hunger.

Today, Feeding America is a national network of more than 200 member food banks and food-rescue organizations serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.