In 2007, the Food Bank Leadership Institute (FBLI) was born out of the need for a formal platform to connect food bankers and provide an opportunity for learning with peers and partners. Today, FBLI is the only global food banking conference in the world
Since the first FBLI in San Antonio, Texas, which had 23 attendees, the event has grown to include as many as 150 people in person and 2,500 virtually. FBLI has attracted not only food bankers, but corporate partners and thought leaders from across the globe to discuss the unique challenges facing the sector as they work to meet the needs of food insecure populations, while reducing food waste globally.
FBLI’s successes are innumerable. Conversations between FBLI participants have resulted in local leaders opening food banks in places of need, expanding programs to address issues like childhood hunger and malnutrition, and increasing capacity to serve more people. FBLI also serves as an important platform for broader conversations between food banks and other food systems experts.
FBLI 2020 was originally going to take place in Mexico City. Due to COVID-19, FBLI quickly shifted to virtual. Since March 2020, GFN has hosted 28 sessions, global events, and regional workshops, bringing together almost 2,500 attendees from 92 countries—an enormous feat in an incredibly challenging time.
