National Food Bank Day
September 4
About National Food Bank Day
National Food Bank Day is observed on the first Friday of September each year, recognising the work of food banks and raising awareness of food insecurity. In 2026 it falls on Friday, 4 September. The day was founded in 2017 by St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, Arizona, the organisation widely credited with creating the world’s first food bank in 1967.
What is National Food Bank Day?
National Food Bank Day is an annual observance that highlights the vital role food banks play in feeding people who struggle to afford enough to eat. It encourages donations, volunteering and wider conversation about hunger in communities. The day is aimed at the general public, businesses and community groups who can all contribute in different ways. It also recognises the staff and volunteers who keep food banks running throughout the year.
When is National Food Bank Day?
National Food Bank Day takes place on the first Friday of September, which means the date shifts slightly each year. In 2026 it falls on Friday, 4 September. The table below shows the dates for the next five years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 4 September |
| 2027 | Friday, 3 September |
| 2028 | Friday, 1 September |
| 2029 | Friday, 7 September |
| 2030 | Friday, 6 September |
Why National Food Bank Day Matters
Food insecurity affects millions of households, even in wealthy countries. In the United States, the Department of Agriculture has reported that tens of millions of people live in food-insecure homes, relying on charitable food assistance to get by. Food banks act as a crucial safety net, collecting surplus and donated food and distributing it through a network of pantries, shelters and community programmes. National Food Bank Day reminds people that hunger is often hidden, and that local action can make a measurable difference to families, children and older people in their own communities.
How to Get Involved in National Food Bank Day
There are many practical ways to support the cause, whether you have time, money or simply a voice to lend:
- Donate food – Drop off non-perishable items such as tinned vegetables, rice, pasta and long-life milk at your nearest collection point. Check what your local food bank needs most before you shop.
- Give money – Cash donations let food banks buy exactly what they are short of and cover running costs such as transport and storage.
- Volunteer your time – Help sort, pack and distribute food, or assist with admin and fundraising. Many food banks rely almost entirely on volunteers.
- Organise a collection – Run a food drive at your workplace, school, place of worship or sports club to gather donations in bulk.
- Spread awareness – Share information about food insecurity and your local food bank on social media to reach people who may want to help or who need support.
- Support during quieter months – Donations often peak at Christmas but dwindle in summer. Giving in September helps food banks maintain supplies year-round.
- Advocate for change – Contact local representatives about policies that address the underlying causes of poverty and hunger.
- Check on neighbours – Quietly point anyone who is struggling towards the support a food bank can offer, helping to reduce the stigma around asking for help.
History of National Food Bank Day
The food bank model began in 1967 when John van Hengel founded St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, Arizona, the first organisation of its kind in the world. Van Hengel had been volunteering at a soup kitchen and realised that large quantities of edible food were being thrown away by shops and producers. He began collecting this surplus and storing it in a central location where charities could collect what they needed, creating the blueprint that food banks around the world still follow today.
Half a century later, in 2017, St. Mary’s Food Bank established National Food Bank Day to mark the first Friday of September. The aim was to draw attention to food insecurity, celebrate the volunteers and donors who sustain food banks, and encourage more people to get involved. The date in early September was chosen partly to boost donations ahead of the busy autumn and winter period.
Noteworthy Facts About National Food Bank Day
- The world’s first food bank, St. Mary’s Food Bank, was founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1967.
- National Food Bank Day was established by St. Mary’s Food Bank in 2017.
- The day always falls on the first Friday of September, so the date changes from year to year.
- John van Hengel, who created the first food bank, is often called the father of the food bank movement.
- Food banks distribute both donated and surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, tackling hunger and food waste at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Food Bank Day?
National Food Bank Day is an annual day recognising food banks and raising awareness of food insecurity. It encourages people to donate, volunteer and support the fight against hunger.
When is National Food Bank Day in 2026?
It falls on Friday, 4 September 2026. The day is always held on the first Friday of September.
Who started National Food Bank Day?
National Food Bank Day was founded in 2017 by St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, Arizona, the same organisation that opened the world’s first food bank in 1967.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Food Bank Day with your friends, family and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalFoodBankDay and #NationalFoodBankDay2026 on social media. The more people who know about the work of food banks, the more food and funds reach those who need them. You might also support National Give Something Away Day, which shares a similar spirit of generosity.
Related Awareness Days
- National Give Something Away Day – A day encouraging people to donate goods they no longer need to those who do.
- International Can-It-Forward Day – A celebration of home food preservation that connects to themes of food and sharing.
- International Day of Family Remittances – Another observance focused on supporting families and reducing financial hardship.
Links
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