By Katie Lutz
Hunger affects everyone differently. But around the world, women and girls are most at risk of becoming food insecure. Of the 735 million people who are food insecure, 60 percent are women and girls and in nearly two-thirds of countries, women are more likely than men to suffer from hunger.
Food banks and their partner agencies serve a vital role in their communities and are uniquely equipped to serve the needs of women and girls facing hunger. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are sharing just a few examples of the many ways that food banks lift up women and families to create stronger, healthier communities.
Aruna Devi runs a soup kitchen that partners with No Food Waste (NFW) in Coimbatore, India. The kitchen was founded in 2020 and not only is it dedicated to serving women facing hunger, but Devi also provides employment opportunities for women to work in the food service industry. The kitchen provides approximately 300 meals a day to women with the support of NFW.
In partnership with Desarrollo en Movimiento (DEM), Mano Amiga, an educational institution that serves disadvantaged families, recruits mothers in the community to prepare school breakfasts and provides training on menu preparation and nutrition. Mothers prepare daily meals for their children and other students who live nearby. The initiative, powered by DEM’s breakfast program aims to build healthy eating habits, reduce school dropout rates, and empower women and mothers through leadership opportunities.
Lagos Food Bank Initiative’s Nutritious Meal Intervention for Vulnerable Mothers and Children (NUMEPLAN) program seeks to improve the nutrition of vulnerable mothers and children living in underserved communities. The program aims to ensure that pregnant women and teenagers, lactating mothers, and children have sufficient intake of required nutrients and food for optimal health.
Foodbank Việt Nam delivers fresh produce, dry goods, and other supplies to the Vinh Sơn Love Nursing Home. The organization provides care to approximately 150 women living in the senior citizens center. In addition to supporting the center’s food service staff with meal preparation, the food bank organizes activities for the residents around holidays and special events.
Food For All Africa’s vocational program provides single mothers and youth with a variety of apprenticeship trainings to increase employment in Ghana. For example, women attend culinary training to help them obtain jobs in the school food service and hospitality industries.
Bancos de Alimentos de México (BAMX) Puebla’s Self Employment program strengthens the local economy and helps female entrepreneurs develop the skills and expertise to scale their businesses. The food bank collaborates with educational institutions to offer workshops and training to further support women business owners.
Food banks across the globe help alleviate hunger for women and girls while simultaneously addressing systemic issues like unemployment and lack of economic opportunities. On International Women’s Day—and every day—let’s celebrate these crucial community-based programs that serve women and girls around the world.
