Do you want to join us as a partner and help with hunger relief efforts in northern Nevada and eastern California? Are you a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the capacity and resources to store and distribute food, meals or other hunger-related services? If so, you may be just the partner we need, especially in areas of our service area that lack emergency food and services.
Our partner agencies distribute directly to those in need and are a vital part of the emergency food chain. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada provides partner agencies access to low- and no-cost food to distribute to clients. We also provide technical assistance and training while we ensure your program meets food safety standards and provides fair and equitable service to clients. Read below to learn about our requirements for partners and some tips for starting a food program.
It is also important to consider partnerships with agencies that already distribute food in your community. It might be more economical for you to provide volunteer or financial support to help them expand their hours or the number of people they serve.
If you do want to proceed, any organization that wishes to partner with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada must meet the following requirements prior to beginning the application process:
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- Be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable organization, or be affiliated with a 501(c)(3) umbrella organization. Limited exceptions may be made if your church meets the spirit of the criteria used by the IRS to define a church
- Offer services directly to the ill, needy, or children (under 18 years) free of charge and with no requirement to attend any kind of service
- Provide an emergency food program, in the form of a food pantry, soup kitchen or shelter.
- Have a facility able to safely handle and distribute food.
- Have a record-keeping system that fulfills the Food Bank’s reporting requirements
- Obtain a food-handlers certification or license
- We recommended that new agencies operate a food program for at least six months prior to applying
Running a food program is a big responsibility. It requires a major commitment of time, funds and energy.
Once you meet all of the above requirements, becoming a Partner Agency can be very easy. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada accepts applications at any time, however during October-January the application process can take longer than the average 4-6 week time frame.
To get started:
- Email Jenny Yeager and include organization name, contact information, mailing and physical address, and hours of operation. (Your service area will be reviewed for unmet needs. If area is underserved, an application packet will be mailed.)
- Mail completed request for partnership to:
Food Bank of Northern Nevada – Attn: Agency Relations (a completed packet must be approved prior to the first site visit)
- First site visit will include onsite training
