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National Food Bank Day

Join the fight against hunger this National Food Bank Day! Every can, every dollar makes a difference. Support your local food bank today!

Friday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Friday in September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPhilanthropy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for National Food Bank Day on September 6, a day dedicated to the noble cause of ending hunger! First recognized in 2017, this remarkable day was established to raise awareness about the importance of food banks nationwide and the crucial role they play in combating hunger. These community superheroes serve millions of people facing food insecurity annually, providing them with nutritious meals and a glimmer of hope. Join us as we rally to honor, support, and contribute to our local food banks. Let's make every can and every dollar count in our shared fight against hunger! It's a day of action and unity, so on this September 6, let's salute the vital work of our food banks and lend a helping hand!

TIMELINE

National Food Bank Day Timeline

First Food Bank Opens

St. Mary's Food Bank, the world's first food bank, is founded by John Van Hengel in Phoenix, Arizona.

Second Harvest Formation

The organization Second Harvest, now known as Feeding America, is formed as the first food bank network, revolutionizing the concept of food banking.

Rapid Expansion

Throughout the 1980s, the number of food banks in America grows significantly to meet the increasing need.

Feeding America's Online Market

Feeding America establishes an online marketplace for food banks, revolutionizing the distribution of surplus food.

Great Recession's Impact

The Great Recession leads to a significant rise in food insecurity, further underlining the importance of food banks.

First National Food Bank Day

National Food Bank Day is recognized for the first time to raise awareness about the role and importance of food banks nationwide.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Food Bank Day

Donate non-perishable goods

One of the most direct ways to celebrate National Food Bank Day is by donating non-perishable food items to your local food bank. Make sure to check their list of most-needed items to ensure your donation has the greatest impact.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a food bank

Another great way to support your local food bank is by donating your time. Contact your local food bank and ask if they need volunteers. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience and powerful way to make a difference in your community.

HOST

Host a food drive

Why not rally your community and host a food drive? You can do this at your school, workplace, church, or even among friends and family. After collecting items, donate the entire collection to your local food bank.

SPREAD

Spread awareness through social media

Utilize your social media platforms to spread the word about National Food Bank Day. Share posts about why you support your local food bank, and encourage your followers to join in by donating or volunteering.

MAKE

Make a monetary donation

Remember, food banks not only need food donations- they also need funds to keep their operations going. They can use monetary donations to purchase food in bulk at reduced prices, or to cover their expenses such as storage and distribution.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Food Bank Day is Important

It promotes unity and community engagement

National Food Bank Day serves as a powerful vehicle for community bonding. By rallying together to support a common cause, we strengthen our sense of unity and foster a more compassionate and inclusive community.

We can actively help fight hunger

National Food Bank Day allows us to take an active role in combating food insecurity, whether through volunteering, organizing food drives, or making donations. This sense of participation helps us create tangible change in our communities.

It's a reminder about the importance of food banks

The day shines a light on the critical role food banks play in our society, serving as a safety net for those facing food insecurity. It encourages us to appreciate and support the tireless efforts of these institutions in feeding the hungry.