Top 10 Grants Supporting Food Banks
As we move through 2025 supporting food banks has become a much discussed issue. In 2024, food insecurity remains a critical issue in both Canada and the United States, with the demand for food bank services reaching unprecedented levels. In the U.S., over 34 million people, including 9 million children, face food insecurity, while in Canada, recent reports show that nearly 6 million people are struggling to afford groceries, a significant rise from previous years. According to Food Banks Canada, the use of food banks surged by 32% in 2024, the highest increase on record, as inflation, housing costs, and economic instability exacerbate the crisis. In the U.S., food banks also report a sharp increase in demand, with many struggling to meet the needs of their communities. With hunger on the rise, nonprofit organizations that focus on hunger relief are seeking more funding than ever to support food banks and those in need. Identifying and securing grants from key funders is crucial to addressing this growing crisis.
Overview: Feeding America is the largest hunger relief organization in the U.S., partnering with a vast network of food banks and pantries. They offer grants and resources to organizations working to combat food insecurity.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, food banks, food distribution, and addressing root causes of hunger.
Programs: Includes the “Food Security Grants” program and special initiatives for disaster relief and innovation in hunger alleviation.
Overview: Walmart Foundation is one of the largest corporate funders addressing hunger. They provide substantial grants to organizations tackling food insecurity through community based programs.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, healthy food access, food recovery, and infrastructure support for food banks.
Programs: Walmart “Community Grant Program” and “Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating” initiative.
- The Kroger Co. Foundation
Overview: Kroger focuses on ending hunger in the communities where they operate through their “Zero Hunger | Zero Waste” initiative. They fund projects that aim to eliminate food waste and address food insecurity.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, reducing food waste, food rescue programs, and supporting food banks.
Programs: Offers competitive grants and often partners with Feeding America and local food banks.
Overview: David Tepper’s foundation focuses heavily on alleviating hunger and supporting food banks, especially in North Carolina and other regions where the foundation operates.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, food distribution, child nutrition, and supporting food security programs.
Programs: Provides grants to food banks and hunger relief organizations, including disaster response.
Overview: Albertsons supports hunger relief through its “Nourishing Neighbors” initiative, providing grants to local organizations that ensure people in need have access to healthy meals.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, food pantries, child nutrition, and emergency food distribution.
Programs: Nourishing Neighbors community grants aimed at reducing food insecurity in communities served by Albertsons and its affiliates.
Overview: The Campbell Soup Foundation funds hunger and nutrition programs as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, especially in the communities where Campbell operates.
Funding Focus: Food security, healthy meals, community wellness, and child hunger.
Programs: Grants supporting food banks, soup kitchens, and community hunger relief programs.
Overview: ConAgra focuses on improving food security and nutrition, particularly in underserved communities. Their grants support nonprofit organizations that work on reducing hunger.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, child nutrition, food banks, and community gardens.
Programs: Provides grants and partners with food banks through their “Hunger Free Summer” and other year round programs.
Overview: The Weinberg Foundation provides significant funding for food security programs across the U.S., with an emphasis on vulnerable populations.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, food access, and social services for low income individuals and families.
Programs: Grants for food banks, meal distribution programs, and support for seniors and children.
Overview: Cargill supports hunger and food security initiatives around the world. In the U.S., they fund organizations that aim to ensure food security and nutritional health for underserved communities.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, nutrition, food recovery, and agriculture sustainability.
Programs: Grants supporting food banks, meal programs, and food waste reduction initiatives.
Overview: Bank of America funds hunger relief programs through its “Economic Mobility” initiative, which aims to remove barriers to basic needs, including access to food.
Funding Focus: Hunger relief, economic mobility, community food programs, and food banks.
Programs: Provides local and national grants to food banks and hunger relief organizations.
With a shape rise is basic cost of living across North America, food banks play a critical role in supporting not only vulnerable individuals and families but everyday people. By understanding the challenges they face and tapping into available funding from key grant makers, these organizations can strengthen their operations, expand their reach, and ensure that no one goes hungry. By supporting food banks and securing grants from the funders mentioned in this article can provide food banks with the resources they need to meet the increasing demand and make a lasting impact on their communities. Now more than ever, it’s vital for nonprofits to leverage these opportunities to fight hunger and support those in need.
