Ever wonder how Daily Bread was able to support more than 4.1 million food bank visits in 2025? Hint: it’s not government funding.
Daily Bread is powered by the generosity of individual donors, businesses, foundations, farm partners, food producers, retailers and community organizations — through both financial contributions and donated food.
And there’s an important reason we protect that independence.
Food banks provide essential emergency support, but they are not the solution to poverty. We don’t want food banks to become an entrenched part of the social safety net. Our goal is to provide food to people who need it today while advocating for the policy changes that will mean fewer people need food banks tomorrow.
That independence is also essential to our advocacy work — and it’s why you’ll often see elected officials from all levels of government visiting Daily Bread.
“Our independence allows us to have honest conversations with politicians about who is coming to food banks, why they are coming, and what governments can do to change the systems that are driving people to our doors,” says Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank
Inviting politicians to Daily Bread is not an endorsement. It’s an opportunity to show decision-makers the realities of food insecurity firsthand and push for meaningful policy changes that address the root causes of hunger and poverty. We use these conversations to call for solutions, including more affordable housing, stronger income supports and policies that help ensure everyone can afford essentials like nutritious food.
Our goal isn’t to make food banks a permanent part of the social safety net. It’s to help build a future where fewer people need to rely on them.
Want to learn more about where Daily Bread’s funding comes from and how it is used? Our Annual Impact Reports and financial statements are publicly available.
