Here are a few documents that contain helpful information before starting the application process:
Feeding South Florida accepts applications for partnership twice a year, during an open enrollment period. Before you complete an application, you must first attend an Information Session, which is held twice a year, every six months – once in December 2018, and once in July 2019, at 8:30 a.m. at the Main Warehouse and Feeding Palm Beach County.
To register for the Potential New Agency Information Session, click here.
The Pre-Approval Site Visit: Would you pass inspection? (PDF)
Need more information?
If you have additional questions about becoming a partner agency, please e-mail our Agency Relations Manager, Kristina Pace by clicking here.
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 applications 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 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 pays .06 cents per pound). The SMF is not a fee for food, nor is it charged 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.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
“In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 866-632-9992 or 202-401-0216 (voice) Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact the USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-613 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
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 2018 and once in July 2019. During this session, you will learn:
FSF’s requirements for becoming a PA
FSF’s expectations of PAs
Overall services and programs provided by FSF
2. Submit Complete Application Packet
Applications are sent to agencies who have first attended an information session in either December or July. The following needs to be gathered and submitted as one packet:
Partner Agency Application
Copy of 501(c )(3) from the IRS
Organization budget
Photos of shelving, refrigeration, freezer, storage areas
Pest Control documentation (receipts or contract)
Food Handler’s Certificate
Licensing for Group Homes, Daycares, Shelters, Residential Centers
Organization narrative overview
3. Pre-Approval Site Visit
These visits are conducted during the open enrollment period, only if a completed packet has been submitted on time. During this visit, we do the following:
Inspection of facility including storage, cleanliness, outside areas, etc.
Recommendations for storage and distribution
4. Approval of Partnership + Onboarding Training
At this time, you will receive the following:
Notification letter with Agency ID Number, Primarius Web Window (PWW) , Log In information, and information for the PWW Webinar.
Training to access the agency marketplace
Training on hw to complete monthly forms and navigate your online account
5. Ongoing Requirements
Throughout the duration of partnership, requirements include:
Arranging for new staff and volunteers to complete agency training
Attendance at mandatory annual Agency Relations training
Accommodating a mandatory annual site visit and follow up visits if necessary
Compliance with all required paperwork and documentation
