How did food bank start?

Food banks originated in the late 1960s as a response to growing hunger and poverty in the United States. The first food bank, established by John van Hengel in Phoenix, Arizona, aimed to collect surplus food from various sources and distribute it to those in need. This model quickly gained traction, leading to the formation of food banks across the country, which now serve as vital resources for communities facing food insecurity. Today, food banks continue to operate globally, addressing hunger through food recovery and distribution efforts.