Food Bank Development Programs
Food Bank Kickstart Program
The Food Bank Kickstart Programme is designed to nurture promising grassroots food redistribution initiatives in countries where a structured federation does not yet exist. Many of these initiatives emerge from local communities responding to urgent needs, but they often operate without the governance, logistics, and systems required to scale their impact sustainably or alignment to other similar efforts across their country.
Through this programme, FEBA acts as a trusted adviser and guide, helping initiatives take the first steps toward becoming a structured, resilient national federation of food banks. Rather than offering financial support, the Kickstart Programme focuses on consulting, toolkits, and practical guidance. Emerging organisations receive tailored advice on establishing sound governance structures, strengthening operations, and building reliable systems for sourcing and distributing food. They are introduced to best practices in areas such as compliance, logistics, and partnerships, ensuring they can grow responsibly and effectively.
By providing a clear pathway for development, the Kickstart Programme transforms grassroots efforts into credible organisations that are better integrated into their national food ecosystems and ready to become associate members of FEBA’s network.
Food Bank Accelerator Program
The Food Bank Accelerator Programme is designed to strengthen members that are already part of the FEBA network but not yet operating at the full capacity of more established food bank federations. These organisations often have a solid foundation and strong local presence but need additional support to grow into fully recognised, sustainable members that are firmly rooted within their national food ecosystems.
The programme provides targeted, hands-on support from FEBA’s Network Development team, offering tailored guidance that responds to the specific challenges and opportunities of each food bank. This may include refining governance structures, strengthening logistics and food safety processes, expanding partnerships, or building financial sustainability strategies.
Participation in the FEBA Food Bank Exchange Programme, including structured mentorship opportunities, ensures that members can learn directly from their peers, exchanging best practices on topics such as fundraising, IT systems, food sourcing, and warehouse operations. Each food bank follows a customised Accelerator Pathway, a structured roadmap that defines milestones for growth and guides their progress step by step.
Funding opportunities are aligned with the goals and milestones of each Accelerator Pathway, ensuring that financial support directly strengthens capacity where it is most needed. These elements enable associate members to transition into strong, resilient organisations that deliver long-term impact in their countries and contribute fully to the collective strength of the FEBA network.
Member Support Services
The Member Support Services offered by FEBA are designed to ensure that full members not only remain resilient but also continue to thrive in an ever-changing social and economic landscape. Food banks that reach maturity require less operational guidance but greater focus on ongoing opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and elevate the systems in which they operate.
Through access to the Knowledge Hub and Grant Management Member Portal, members can draw on a growing repository of research, operational tools, and case studies that reflect best practices across Europe. Streamlined grant processes provide financial support, enabling food banks to thrive while piloting new initiatives.
Equally important is the community of practice fostered by FEBA. Members participate in a variety of working groups, which address emerging challenges such as evolving food safety regulations and the environmental impacts of redistribution. They also engage in our Morning Insight Sessions and Fundraising Forums, sharing strategies to strengthen local resource mobilisation while connecting to pan-European opportunities.
Advocacy at the European level amplifies members’ voices with policymakers, ensuring that food banks are recognised as essential partners in addressing hunger and reducing food waste. Experienced members are also given opportunities to mentor developing food banks, reinforcing solidarity and ensuring that the network continues to grow in strength and impact.