becoming an agency partner

There must be an established need in your community for a new food program. We reserve the right to review the concentration of agencies in your community. If a food program already exists in your neighborhood, then it may be more beneficial to collaborate with them. Upon request, we will provide a list of other agencies in your area that you may contact to discuss community-specific needs. These agencies may also offer opportunities for you to learn about food program activities in your community via network meetings.

No matter the type of food program, you are expected to serve individuals regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sexual orientation, physical appearance, disability status, age, pregnancy, or any group membership.

All partner agencies are required to follow a weekly schedule throughout the year and must be open during the days and hours reported to the Food Bank. Temporary schedule changes are permitted, but must be reported in writing as soon as possible. Permanent distribution schedule changes must be submitted in writing as well. Food pantries must be open a minimum of one time per week and operate at least 20 hours per month, or must serve 50 or more households per month.

On-site programs must serve meals to low-income persons on-site at their facilities, such as childcare centers, shelters, and soup kitchens, at least once per week.

Organizations must have operated a food/feeding program for six months or more. Partners must also adhere to all Food Bank policies as delineated in the Partnership Contract.

If you operate a food pantry or provide meals to the public, it’s important that your neighbors are aware of the assistance you offer.
As a requirement, we ask programs like yours to display a sign that not only signals the presence of your food assistance program but also clearly states the days and hours of operation. This sign must be visible to the public and can be integrated into a church marquee or created on a poster board, measuring at least 8.5″ by 11″.

Additionally, a sign must be placed on the outside door that neighbors use to access the pantry to ensure they know which entrance to use. Please note that having this sign is mandatory to comply with our partnership agreement. However, if your program is meant for specific groups, like afterschool or backpack programs, posting a sign is not required.

In order to be considered for partnership with us, your agency must be designated a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, public nonprofit organization by the Federal Government. An official copy of your organization’s 501(c)(3) determination letter must be submitted with your application. Further explanations will be required if the letter submitted with your application is under a different organization’s name, such as an explanation of affiliation. For more information, visit the IRS website.

Your agency must be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State as a registered nonprofit organization and be in good standing and in compliance. To verify that you are registered or to find your control number, please visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website here.

All partner agencies must have a pest control plan, a current contract with a licensed professional exterminator and an extermination logbook containing your contract and receipts for each visit. This must be available for review when a Food Bank representative visits your site. We recommend monthly exterminator visits although some sites may require more frequent visits.