Impacto de los Bancos de alimentos en población infantil: una revisión rápida de la literatura

Food banks are non-profit organizations with the function of delivering food in good condition to vulnerable populations. These institutions increase the population's ability to obtain food of adequate nutritional quality and thus impact health status. The pediatric population is a group vulnerable to food insecurity, which directly affects cognitive development and health in multiple aspects. Objective: conduct a quick review of the literature on the role of food banks in the child population, with emphasis on Colombia and Chile. Methods: review of the literature through indexed databases and gray literature on food banks and children. Results: In 2021 globally, 45 million children under 5 years of age suffer from emaciation. The Bogotá Food Bank and the Lo Valledor Food Bank operate as non-profit organizations that collect, store and distribute food to vulnerable populations who are food insecure. Among the programs implemented by Feeding América to reduce food insecurity, the “Backpack program” initiative has been implemented. Conclusion: Food banks are essential to combating childhood food insecurity. The "Backpacks for Life" program and cross-sector collaboration show promise for improving the well-being of children in Latin America and developing regions.