BECOME A PARTNER AGENCY

Steps Required to Become a Partner Agency

1. Attend Information Session for Potential New Agencies

This one-hour session is held twice a year, once in December and once in July. Attendance at this session is required before submitting an application.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2. Submit Complete Application Packet

Applications will only be accepted from agencies who have attended the information session. Applications must be completed within two weeks of attending the information sessions.

3. Pre-Approval Site Visit

PRE-APPROVAL PDF:

These visits are conducted during the open enrollment period, only if a completed packet was submitted on time and meets partnership requirements. Inspection of facility including storage, cleanliness, outside areas, etc., occur during this visit. Pre-site visits do not guarantee approval for partnership. Read this helpful document to help gauge whether your agency would pass a site visit.

4. Approval of Partnership and Onboarding Training

This training is by invitation only. During this session, you will learn how to access food and navigate the food bank.

A few items to note

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee approval of partnership. Other factors may be taken into consideration when approving agencies for partnership. Examples of other factors include, but are not limited to: hours and frequency of distribution; whether the organization location is in an underserved area; the number of FSF PAs already operating in the area, and whether or not FSF partnership would duplicate services already provided. The completion of each step in the application process does not guarantee approval of partnership. The application process from start to finish, should take no more than 6 weeks. After attending orientation, prospective partners have a time frame to submit their application. From there, prospective agency site visits are conducted. Incomplete, or late applications will not be considered.

Shared Maintenance Fees

Shared Maintenance Fees (SMFs) are fees associated with the transportation, warehousing, and distribution of food and grocery products. These fees are charged on a per pound basis, ranging from no charge to a maximum of 19 cents per pound (the average agency contributes six cents per pound). The SMF is not a fee for food, nor is it assessed on USDA, produce, or bakery items. SMFs are incurred by the Partner Agency and then distributed through a benevolent program, so that all clients receive food free of charge. NO PERSON IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE EVER PAYS FOR FOOD.

Agency Relations Contact Info

Alyssa Villalba
954.518.1818 x 1905
avillalba@feedingsouthflorida.org