The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) and Emergent Cold Latin America have agreed to a partnership that will support food banking organizations in 11 countries across Latin America, enabling them to increase their capacity to receive and store food to feed more people. The formalization of this partnership takes place in the same week as the celebration of World Food Day.
Infrastructure is a key element of food banking. Cold chain facilities, in particular, enable food banks to receive donations of refrigerated and frozen products while extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. However, this infrastructure is costly, and its proper management requires technical expertise.
Through this partnership, Emergent Cold will support food banks with initiatives such as free refrigerated and freezer space at their facilities; host technical visits to cold chain facilities; develop improvement projects at food bank warehouses; and donate high-quality, second-hand equipment like forklifts and racks. Emergent Cold employees will also volunteer at GFN member food banks.
Emergent Cold’s support will be available to GFN member food banks in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
“The most common product people receive from food banks across our network is fresh fruits and vegetables, but this nutritious food is highly perishable and adds additional logistical challenges for food banks,” says Lisa Moon, president and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network. “Through this partnership with Emergent Cold, our food bank members in Latin America will be able to improve their cold chain operations and have expanded access to refrigerated and freezer spaces that will allow them to recover and distribute even more perishable, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy.”
The purpose of Emergent Cold LatAm is to help reduce food waste in Latin America by transforming the region’s cold chain, and this partnership with The Global FoodBanking Network is directly aligned with that mission, said Neal Rider, CEO of Emergent Cold LatAm. “We recognize the importance of the work carried out by food banks and are truly excited to be part of this impactful social effort.”
“I have been following the work of food banks for some time and am a strong advocate for initiatives that strengthen and expand the positive impact of these organizations,” said Rafael Rocha, Commercial Vice President of Emergent Cold LatAm. “Eleven years ago, I was involved in the creation of the Panama Food Bank, where I continue to serve on the board, and I am pleased to see our company’s partnership extended to other peers in all the countries where we operate.”
The Global FoodBanking Network supports community-led food banks in 51 countries, addressing both hunger and the climate crisis at the same time. By rescuing surplus nutritious food and redistributing it to families in need, GFN improves food security, reduces food waste and emissions, and strengthens community resilience. Last year, GFN member food banks fed more than 38 million people. By 2030, GFN aims to feed more than 50 million per year.
