To better understand how food bank supply chains have remained resilient throughout recent crises—such as the U.S.-China trade war and COVID-19 pandemic—Misty Blessley and Susan Mudambi investigated relevant policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and how resources were reconfigured.

The researchers found that although policies that protected farmers in times of crisis also helped food banks, many foods that these farmers could offer, such as fresh meat, were difficult for food banks to manage. Touchless delivery and other new processes also posed a challenge for existing food bank systems. 

Despite this, food banks were able to anticipate, adapt and recover from these obstacles to continue combating food insecurity in trying times.