Publisher: Food Bank News
Published: October 6, 2026
Source: Read at Food Bank News (https://foodbanknews.org/food-banks-prune-their-pantry-networks/)
Category: Food Access
Tarrant Area Food Bank evaluated its pantry network after it grew from less than 400 agencies to 665 across a 13-county service area. Using 32 criteria, it severed ties with 153 outlets and made $1 million available to its 85 top-tier pantries that agree to meet set standards, with another $1 million planned for the next tier. Harvesters Community Food Network now has more than 600 programs after reducing its network by 9%, giving preference to agencies serving at least 100 households a month. Feeding San Diego began using Salesforce in 2022 to manage records for its 350 agencies and identify capacity, equipment, and coverage needs.
Why this matters: Food banks are tightening partner networks and directing limited resources toward agencies with stronger capacity or unique geographic coverage. Independent pantries and food-access groups may face new standards, closer evaluation, or a shift toward redistribution partnerships.
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