Abstract
Non-Technical Summary Food banks in the United States are part of the robust food system that addresses hunger among the population. A comprehensive description of the challenges faced by food banks in the United States is crucial to understanding and responding to the diverse needs. A careful assessment of the literature highlights opportunities not only to improve the efficiency of services, but also to identify strategies and strengthen partnerships to build a sustainable food system.Technical Summary This systematic scoping review aimed to characterize the challenges in the US food banks and recognize opportunities for a sustainable food system. Five electronic search engines/databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched for literature published between 2013 and 2025. The search results were reported per the PRISMA guidelines. Of the 123 selected articles, a majority covered operational challenges (n = 26), strategies to improve operations (n = 16), challenges related to nutrition and health (n = 25), followed by beneficiaries (n = 20), emergencies (n = 15), resources (n = 14), and chronic diseases (n = 7). Supply chain, partnerships, distribution, and adherence to equity principles were included under operational challenges. Fiscal, human resource, and infrastructural challenges were discussed under resource challenges. Beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees, and their unmet needs, were documented. During the pandemic, a lack of trained staff and a disrupted supply chain tested the resilience of food banks. The need to consider the participants' nutritional needs was recognized across a few domains. Opportunities for sustainable food systems emerged through exploring local resources, partnerships, and community engagements. Innovations in technology and efficient inventory management systems to minimize food waste, and education initiatives to foster self-management emerged as opportunities. Policies that advocate food and nutrition security will create a resilient food system.Social Media Summary Identifying opportunities to address challenges in US food banks to contribute to a sustainable food system.