Become a Member Agency
Thank you for your interest in becoming an agency of the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank network. Please review the requirements below before clicking on the apply button:
General Requirements/Guidelines for Becoming a Food Bank Member Agency
Must have a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service and provide the Food Bank with a copy of the IRS Determination Letter. The agency must also be financially self-sustaining and not rely solely on the product offered through the Food Bank; and the agency must demonstrate ongoing fundraising activities; and has been in operation for a minimum of six (6) months to a year prior to applying and meet all church status eligibility requirements under the IRS Regulation 170 (e) 3.
No items received from the Food Bank are to be sold, transferred, bartered or offered for sale in exchange for money, property or services or otherwise allowed to re-enter commercial channels; members may not distribute donated product outside the borders of the United States. Product received is to remain at the site location until distributed. Product must be distributed with no suggested or implied donation amount or volunteer requirement, and no donations may be collected at the time of distribution.
The applicants site location cannot be located in a private residence nor can any food/grocery items be stored, prepared and/or distributed from or in a private residency.
Volunteers cannot be given donated product as a “thank you” for their service. Nor should volunteers be allowed to “CHERRY PICK” through the product. *MOST IMPORTANT* Distribution to volunteers must be handled in exactly the same manner as with all other eligible individuals.
Must be an agency that serves the ill, needy and/or infants and will agree to use the Food Bank a minimum of once every quarter to maintain an active membership.
Will be an established agency, registered and approved with the Food Bank; and will abide by all Food Bank Guidelines, Policies and Procedures and display a willingness to adhere to any additional donor stipulations when applicable and will agree to pay any and all handling fees assessed.
Must serve food directly to clients in the form of meals, and/or distribute packaged food for emergency situations; Supplemental feeding programs such as daycare centers licensed by the state of Ohio are ineligible for any product that has past the expiration date.
Must have access to computer/internet to place orders and schedule appointments online and provide adequate refrigeration and storage space to ensure the wholesomeness of food until prepared and/or distributed; all food and non-food items must be stored at least six inches off the floor and away from the ceiling.
Will ensure safe and proper handling of donated product which conforms to all local, state and federal regulations. Must be licensed and/or approved by the appropriate health department as a food service establishment according to the services the agency provides. Must have some general knowledge of Safe Food Handling and provide the Food Bank with a copy of your certificate of completion. If agencies utilize food provided by the Food Bank to make meals, key staff are required to meet local commercial food safety training requirements.
Will provide transportation for pick up of food at the Food Bank warehouse.
Will maintain a file of receipts from the Food Bank AND a record of distribution for a period of (5) five years including the current year which includes invoices, statistical reports and income eligibility forms when applicable; all invoices must be signed at the time of service. Invoices not signed may put the agency in jeopardy of being placed on product hold.
Will submit to monitoring by the Food Bank to assure compliance with this agreement upon 24 hours’ verbal notice. Monitoring visits occur a minimum of every two years and the Program Director and Sponsoring Organization Director must be present. Any changes in representatives must be reported to the Food Bank in writing. New staff must complete a new member’s orientation within the first (30) days of commission this includes volunteers, program directors, sponsoring organization directors and church pastors.
Each agency must submit monthly statistical reports online of food distribution. Statistics must be submitted to the Food Bank by the fifth business day of the month following distribution; if statistical reports are not submitted, the agency will be denied access to the online ordering portal.
Must not deny access to donated products on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, handicap, marital status, national origin, race, religious affiliations, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity, sexual preference, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran; and clients cannot be required to participate in or attend a religious service or ministry in order to receive food. Religious information or counseling may be provided only at the clients’ request.
The Food Bank reserves the right to terminate this agreement upon a 24-hour notice. If the agency closes for any reason, all files must be returned to the Food Bank along with any equipment obtained through grants.
READY TO APPLY?
Completion of this application does NOT guarantee membership. The Food Bank reserve the right to decline any request that do not meet the criteria of an active member. Some applicants may be placed on a waiting list until membership openings become available.
Once you determine your organization meets the above requirements, click here to submit an online application.
