Becoming a Partner

The way we can address hunger is by working together.

The Food Bank of East Alabama exists to build partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our goal of a hunger-free community. The Food Bank is dedicated to providing our partners with the food and support they need to help their clients live healthier, better lives. Together we make a difference.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or equivalents (churches) that share our mission–including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, and youth and senior centers–can become partner agencies. Partner agencies can order food from our inventory.

We have the tools you need to launch your own food pantry or on-site feeding program to serve the hungry in your community. While there are universal standards for verifying the eligibility of those you serve, food safety and storage, please know that each agency program is different;, and you can design the size of your program based upon the capacity of your organization.

Minimum Requirements

The following is a checklist of the minimum requirements that an agency must meet to be considered for membership as an agency of the Food Bank of East Alabama:

You are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a church located in the Food Bank’s 7 county service area.
Your organization has been in operation a minimum of 90 days with an on-going food program.
You are providing service to a majority of clients who are financially needy
You will use the product only as related to your agency’s purpose of serving the ill, needy or infants (minor children.)
You have a location at your facility that includes proper and adequate physical storage not located in a personal residence.
Your agency has established criteria for the individuals you serve that are consistent and clearly communicated.
Those who qualify will receive food free of charge with absolutely no conditions levied, implied or exchanged.
You have personnel/volunteers who are accountable for record-keeping, inventory control and a system for keeping track of the people you serve.
You will agree to pay the handling fee for the product your agency receives from the Food Bank.
You will adhere to food safety guidelines and complete Food Safety Training.
You will pass a site inspection prior to membership and allow for appropriate on-going monitoring by Food Bank staff.
Your agency will provide Civil Rights Assurances to the clients who are served.

Steps to Becoming an Agency

Call for a pre-application packet 334- 821-9006
Mail the completed pre-application to the Food Bank
An application will be mailed to you upon receipt of your completed pre-application
Complete the application and return it to the Food Bank
Food Bank staff will schedule an initial site visit
Your agency’s application is presented to the Board of Directors for approval as a member agency
Agency shoppers attend an agency orientation before becoming authorized to shop

For more information or a general inquiry, contact our Agency Coordinator at bbeck@foodbankofeastalabama.com or 334-821-9006.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

The Food Bank’s network includes food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs, senior centers and other feeding programs.

Food Bank of East Alabama
355 Industry Drive
Auburn, AL 36832
food-bank@foodbankofeastalabama.com
Phone: (334) 821-9006
Fax: (334) 821-4697

The Food Bank of East Alabama is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an equal opportunity employer and provider. Federal Tax ID 63-1112492