The Contribution of Food Banks to Enhancing Food Security – The Saudi Food Bank (Itaam Association) as a Model: An Analytical Study during the Period (2019–2023).

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the contribution of food banks to enhancing food security through preserving surplus and excess food and reducing waste, with a specific focus on the Saudi Food Bank (Itaam Association) as a national model during the period 2019–2023. The research examines the developmental impact of the association in achieving food security through several performance indicators, including the volume of food preserved and distributed, the rate of waste reduction, and the number of families and individuals benefiting from its services. The study concludes that the association has effectively contributed to strengthening the four dimensions of food security—availability, access, utilization, and stability—thereby establishing itself as a leading national model in food sustainability. The research also presents several recommendations, most notably: supporting national legislation related to food preservation, expanding awareness initiatives to reduce waste, and enhancing integration among governmental, private, and non-profit sectors to ensure the achievement of sustainable food security.