Google.org Awards $10 Million to Feeding America . With a $10 million donation, Google.org will work with the nationwide Feeding America® network of food banks and pantries to help serve 50 million meals* and improve technology.
There are currently 9 million children and 34 million adults in the United States who are food insecure. 90% of food banks in the Feeding America network report a heightened or ongoing need over the previous month. As food donations fall and expenses for freight, food purchases, and other operational costs rise, food banks themselves are facing increasing challenges. Google has observed that national Google Search Trends reflect this need.
Google.org’s support will help Feeding America and local food banks build out technology solutions that promote greater community access and scaled impact. This type of work – streamlining inventory management, tracking how much nutritious food is being distributed – often takes a back burner even though it can be vital to ensuring that the right food gets to the right home at the right time.
“Addressing food insecurity requires a sustained and coordinated approach. We’re proud to partner with Feeding America to deliver over 50 million meals to people in need, and to work with them to strengthen their technology infrastructure,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. “We’re also making our products, like Search and Maps, more helpful to people searching for resources or ways to give back.”
“A solid technology infrastructure empowers our network food banks to get food to people who need it quickly and efficiently. Digital technology tools are utilized to source, collect, track and distribute food. Food banks also utilize systems to manage volunteers, neighbor registration, assistance with SNAP applications and so much more,” said Maryann Byrdak, Chief Information Officer at Feeding America. “All of this helps close the meal gap and ensure more of our neighbors facing hunger are accessing the meals they need to thrive. We are grateful for Google’s visionary support and partnership.”
Feeding America will be focused on improvements to their national operations MealConnect platform, an online platform and mobile application that connects community members with surplus food – from large retailers and farmers to small family-owned restaurants – with local food banks seeking donations. Google.org’s support will enable network food banks to equitably meet increased need for nutritious food while reducing supply chain friction and improving the experience of people served.
Guided by Feeding America’s data and Google Search Trends, Google.org is enabling Feeding America to provide financial support to 32 local food banks whose service areas include more than 6.8 million people facing hunger.
Google.org is also donating $10 million in donated Search Ads to local food banks and pantries across the U.S. in order to connect them with people searching for resources or ways to give back.
Today’s announcement builds on Feeding America’s call together with partners to halve food insecurity overall and by race and place by 2030.
For more information about Feeding America’s efforts to bring food to people facing hunger, visit www.feedingamerica.org.
*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.
