National Food Bank Day

National Food Bank Day is observed on the first Friday in September each year. It’s a day dedicated to honoring food banks and raising awareness about food insecurity in our communities.

History of National Food Bank Day

National Food Bank Day traces its roots to St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, Arizona—the first food bank in the world, founded in 1967 by John van Hengel. This pioneering initiative eventually inspired formal recognition of food banks and, in 2017, coincided with the 50th anniversary of St. Mary’s, helping establish the observance of National Food Bank Day.

Since then, the day has grown into an annual call to action, encouraging donations, volunteering, and support for food banks. It’s positioned specifically on the first Friday of September, serving as a reminder that food insecurity is an ongoing, year-round issue.

Why is National Food Bank Day important?

This day carries a gentle yet powerful message: nobody should go to bed with an empty stomach. It gently nudges us to recognize that hunger isn’t an abstract problem—it’s often just next door, affecting our neighbors, families, or friends quietly and persistently.

It’s also a moment that stitches together community, empathy, and action. Food banks don’t just distribute meals—they restore dignity, provide relief, and build resilience. On this day, collective caring and simple steps—like donating or volunteering—become shared community threads that strengthen all of us.

Here are a few heartfelt reasons why this day matters:

• it’s a quiet reminder that hunger is often hidden, not distant
• it honors the tireless people—volunteers and staff—working behind the scenes
• it shows that even small actions can ripple into big impacts
• it nudges us to give what we can, whether food, time, or funds
• it draws attention to the importance of dignity in serving others

How to Observe National Food Bank Day

Honestly, the best way to mark this day is by doing something concrete—but simple. You could bring a few extra non-perishable items to your local food bank, or reach out to volunteer even for an hour. If you’re online, sharing a post about food insecurity or your local food bank can spark someone else to take action too.

If you want to make it communal, consider organizing a mini food drive in your neighborhood or workplace, or inviting friends to pack food boxes together. Even grabbing a friend and dropping off donations can be a meaningful, shared experience that builds connection as well as community.

Here are some approachable ways to get involved:

• bring extra canned goods when you shop and drop them off
• spend an hour helping sort donations at your local pantry
• share a post highlighting your local food bank’s work
• ask friends if they’ll join you in collecting items
• thank a food bank volunteer or staff member when you see them

National Food Bank Day Dates Table