Brambles, the leading supply-chain logistics company operating in more than 60 countries primarily through the CHEP brand, has become a sponsor of the Food Bank Leadership Institute (FBLI) as part of the company’s partnership with the Global FoodBanking Network (GFN). Launched in 2006, FBLI is the only global event focused on strengthening communities through promoting food recovery and food banking, for hunger relief. Brambles’ financial contribution will help GFN members address the food bank training gap and enhance food bank effectiveness. The FBLI event is attended by those advancing the food banking model to alleviate hunger and reduce waste. FBLI attracts not only food bankers, but corporate partners and thought leaders from across the globe to discuss the unique challenges facing the sector as they work to meet the needs of food insecure populations, while reducing food waste globally. To date, nearly 500 individuals from 63 countries have benefited from the training, idea sharing, and peer networking provided at FBLI. This year’s event took place in London, on March 25-27, with the theme “One Network. Toward Zero Hunger.” Craig A. Nemitz, Ph.D. (h.c.) Director of Field Services at The Global FoodBanking Network, says: “FBLI is made possible through the generous support of corporate partners. We are deeply grateful for the magnificent support of Brambles, whose expertise will certainly help provide knowledge and evidence-based best practices that allow new and early-stage food banks to become established more quickly, rapidly expand service, and operate with the highest standards of excellence”. As part of the 2019 FBLI event, Juan Jose Freijo, Brambles’ Global Head of Sustainability, facilitated the panel “Emerging Trends in the Global Food Industry Made Possible by Brambles”. Along with speakers from Danone, Nielsen and Walmart amongst other corporate representatives, they discussed evolving trends, best-practices and effective approaches for emerging issues to help food banks become established. Mr. Freijo said: “Product availability is key for all food banks, and so is knowledge and formation. Our historic support to the GFN has been essentially based on the coordination of volunteers in the warehouses and the supply of our pallets to move goods to the Food Banks, which is a work that goes unnoticed but is essential in the food collection. We are now proud to go beyond and not only contribute to the growth of existing food banks, but also strengthen their capacities and share best practices to serve those in need”. Three years ago, Brambles committed to an annual financial contribution to GFN and in-kind contributions such as training and consultancy in safety, logistics and warehouse management on a volunteer basis. Brambles also agreed to facilitate and promote the use of pallet and container pooling services with its customers in the global supply chain for shipments into GFN member food banks.