The Food Institute Podcast
Food for Thought Leadership - Why Food Banks Are Reinventing Their Business Model
In this episode of Food for Thought Leadership, Chris Campbell, Vice President of Content and Insights at The Food Institute, speaks with Joe Slater, President and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, about the changing realities of food insecurity and how food banks are evolving to meet growing demand. Slater explains that today's food-insecure population increasingly consists of working adults holding one or more jobs, as rising living costs outpace wages and changes to federal assistance programs leave many households with few options. He also discusses why healthy foods, including fresh produce, protein, milk and eggs, have become the most sought-after items among families seeking assistance. The conversation also explores how Gleaners has transformed beyond the traditional food bank model by building earned-revenue businesses in wholesale produce distribution, protein processing, co-packing, kitting and logistics. Slater explains how advances in supply chain efficiency, automation and AI have dramatically reduced excess food donations, forcing food banks to become smarter purchasers rather than relying primarily on surplus inventory. He closes by encouraging stronger partnerships between the food industry and charitable organizations, arguing that sharing data, technology and operational expertise will be just as important as food donations in addressing future food insecurity. More about Joe Slater: Joe Slater serves as Chief Operating Officer for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, where he oversees operations and strategic initiatives that support the organization's mission of leading the fight against hunger. With more than two decades of experience in supply chain management, food sourcing, and nonprofit leadership, Joe has helped drive innovative programs and partnerships that increase access to nutritious food while strengthening collaboration across the Feeding America network. Under his leadership, Gleaners and its social enterprise, Fresh Connect Central, have become national leaders in collaborative sourcing, protein repacking, and creative distribution solutions that maximize resources and expand impact. More about Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana & Fresh Connect Central: Founded in 1980, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana serves 21 counties across central and southeastern Indiana through a network of more than 300 community partners and direct service programs. To further extend its impact beyond Indiana, Gleaners launched Fresh Connect Central (FCC), a social enterprise focused on collaborative food sourcing and supply chain solutions for hunger relief organizations. Today, FCC partners with more than 150 food banks and organizations across 46 states and Puerto Rico, moving tens of millions of pounds of food annually through sourcing, repacking, and logistics solutions. Together, Gleaners and Fresh Connect Central are leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships to maximize resources, strengthen the Feeding America network, and create greater access to nutritious food for communities nationwide. Learn more: https://www.gleaners.org/
