Our work
From the farm gate to the family table
Food banking recovers safe surplus food and redistributes it through trusted local organisations. Here is how the network makes that happen.
01Food recovery
Rescuing surplus before it is lost
A large share of food produced in Zambia is lost between harvest and market. We work with farmers, processors and retailers to identify safe surplus and collect it before it spoils.
Donors receive clear handling guidance and documentation for every donation.
- Farm and post-harvest recovery
- Retail and wholesale collections
- Manufacturer overruns and mislabelled stock
02Distribution
Getting food to where it is needed
Member food banks store and distribute food through a network of community partners: schools, clinics, faith groups and community organisations.
We help members with warehousing, transport planning and stock tracking, so food moves quickly and nothing is lost along the way.
- Shared logistics and transport
- Warehouse and cold-chain standards
- Inventory and reporting systems
03Nutrition programmes
Food that nourishes, not just fills
We prioritise nutritious food for children, pregnant women and people living with chronic illness, and work with health partners to reach them.
- School feeding support
- Clinic-linked nutrition packs
- Emergency and drought response
04Policy & advocacy
Making it easier to donate food
Many businesses would donate surplus food but face legal and tax barriers. We work with government and partners on practical policies that make donation the easy choice.
- Good-samaritan protection for donors
- Tax incentives for food donation
- National food loss and waste measurement
OurImpact
1.2
Million people
accessed food through a ZFBN member food bank in 2025.
4,800
Tonnes of food
recovered from farms, retailers and processors in 2025.
Being part of the network gave us the systems to receive surplus safely and get it to the families who need it within days, not weeks.
640
Community organisations
were supported by a ZFBN member in 2025.
Have surplus food?
We will help you donate it safely and receive the right documentation.
Every kwacha helps move food from where it is in surplus to where it is needed.
Your gift funds transport, cold storage and the people who keep food moving safely.