Food security is an issue that extends beyond the boundaries of nutrition and into the realms of education, public health and medicine.

Food Distribution Program | Types of Agencies who can apply |
Requirements to Apply | Application Form

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

The Foodbank of Southern California serves hundreds of certified charitable community agencies daily throughout Southern California. Food is distributed to abused children and women shelters, crisis centers, childcare centers, homes for troubled youth, homeless shelters, substance abuse centers, senior centers, emergency box programs, soup kitchens, and food pantries.

Agency Donation Food Assistance Program
The Foodbank offers supplemental food assistance to hundreds of charitable organizations.The Foodbank distributes quality food at no charge, and asks only for a modest contribution from the agencies to help defray the cost of transportation of selected foods.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Foodbank provides USDA surplus commodities such as infant formula, flour, cornmeal, pinto beans and butter to low-income households. In 2005-2006, The Foodbank channeled over 18 million pounds of highly nutritious food from this program to local charitable agencies completely free of charge. This USDA program receives annual congressional approval.

Brown Bag Network Program
This model Foodbank program provides nutritious food biweekly to nearly 2,200 needy seniors at 17 different distribution sites and delivers food to 63 homebound seniors. The Foodbank operates one of the largest programs in the State and is unique in that there is no annual fee charge to recipients. This program is made possible through the commitment of dedicated volunteers who sort, bag, and distribute the food at the various sites.

Second Helping Program
The Foodbank links charitable organizations feeding meals to the hungry with local restaurants, caterers, other food preparers for distribution of safe "unsaleable" prepared food completely free of charge. This innovative program channeled over 1.8 million pounds of donated food to local charitable agencies completely free of charge in 2005-2006.

Sister Hook-up Program
The Foodbank started this program in the winter of 2006, where charitable organizations feeding the hungry are linked with local small grocery stores for direct donations of safe "unsaleable" perishable products completely free of charge.

What types of businesses does the Foodbank of Southern California support?
We have a melting pot of agencies; there are so many people in need in many aspects and walks of life.

For example we have:
1. Child care centers
2. Senior centers
3. Shelters for abused children and women
4. Foster care
5. Group homes for kids
6. Emergency box programs
7. Soup kitchens
8. Food pantries
9. Recovery homes
10. Church hunger programs

Are there any specific requirements needed to enroll?
Yes, an application has to be filled out, and there is some documentation that needs to be submitted with your application.

The supporting documents needed are:

1. 501 c3 - issued from the IRS, states that your federally tax exempt.
2. A copy of the letter of determination from the California Franchise Tax Board which grants your organization state tax exempt status.
3. A copy of your Articles of Incorporation.
4. A copy of California Department of Social Services License, if applicable.
5. A copy of County or other Health Certificates covering your onsite feeding operation and your specific food handlers car, if applicable.
6. A current list of your Board of Directors.

* If available, please include a pamphlet describing your agency.

* If the agency is one that feeds on site, then proof of a health inspection must be presented from the Health Department.

* Day Care/Foster Care - must submit all the above documentation along with their licenses to care for children.

Whether you complete the form online or would like to submit it by mail, please forward all completed materials to:

>> TO APPLY Click Here! <<