How to become a Partner Agency
Thank you for your interest in becoming a partner of the Treasure Coast Food Bank (TCFB).
TCFB is a clearing house for receiving food. We distribute donated and
purchased product indirectly to clients, through our Partner Agencies,
and we offer direct service through TCFB programs and the Mobile
Food Pantry. Our mission is to alleviate hunger by obtaining and
distributing food and other essentials in Indian River, Martin,
Okeechobee and St. Lucie Counties. | Letter of Agreement
TCFB Partner Agency Application
Non Denomination Form
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We welcome applications from human service non-profit agencies interested in receiving donated commodities to be provided to the ill, needy or infants. These organizations include (but are not limited to)
- Emergency Food Pantry Assistance
- Emergency Kitchen (soup kitchen/meals)
- Emergency Shelter
- Homeless Drop In Centers
- Rehab Centers
- Snack Programs (After school, Education outreach)
- Residential Treatment Facilities
- State Licensed Group Homes that have paid live-in staff and curriculum
- Transitional Living Facilities
- Senior Programs
- Youth Programs
Due to limited resources or Feeding America and IRS regulations, we do not partner with organizations that:
o Summer-Only programs may qualify for partnership as a Summer Feeding site and should contact the Food Bank Programs department for more information and application process.
- Do not have proper secured storage and a volunteer base to physically and safely handle, store and distribute donated commodities
- Are seeking food to support international food relief efforts. (TCFB is a member of Feeding America and commodities are restricted to relief efforts in Indian River, Martin St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. International relief efforts should contact the Global Foodbanking Network at www.foodbanking.org
- Any organization that seeks to deny service to individuals based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability
Partner Agencies do not pay for food. However, agencies pay a handling fee of no more than 19 cents per pound for non-perishable food, 0 cents per pound on produce and 18 cents per pound on non-food items. All other products have no handling fee.
The handling fee helps TCFB in deferring transportation and refrigeration costs associated with bringing in food to our area for use by partners. While the handling fee does not cover all transportation and refrigeration costs, it does help and TCFB will continue to absorb the additional costs.
All other services (training, delivery, nutrition information) are at no additional cost to Partner Agencies.
Treasure Coast Food Bank Partner Agency Minimum Standards for emergency food pantry programs:
- Be open a minimum of twice a month for a minimum of two hours each distribution
- Display a food pantry sign visible to the public with the following information:
o Days/Hours of Operation
o How often a household may visit
o What to bring (if any)
- Must have experience and be in operation and providing services for a minimum of 60 days
o This does not apply to current Partner Agencies opening additional locations
Steps to Partnership:
- Complete and return application and accompanying forms
- Attend a Treasure Coast Food Bank Partner Agency Orientation/Safe Food Handling/Civil Rights class
o Orientation is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Treasure Coast Food Bank’s Your Plate Outreach facility, located at 1203 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce, Fl. 34946. Please contact Agency Relations at (772) 464-9617 to register for the class
- Pass a physical site inspection
Your Partner Agency application must be complete and return the following:
- The Partner Agency application form
- Program model outline
- Copy of 501(c) (3) non-profit organization by the IRS or be affiliated with a 501(c) (3) umbrella organization. An Agency which is a church or a program directly sponsored by a church may use the non-profit designation of the parent affiliation of that church or may affirm by written statement that it essentially meets the fourteen criteria employed by the IRS in defining a church.
- You must also include the completed USDA Eligibility Questionnaire if applicable
- Copies of any Health Department permits, inspections, Food Manager’s Certificate and/or Food Handler Certifications.
- Signed Letter of Agreement.
- Provide active email account contact information
The Food Bank board and staff are excited to partner with you. We look forward to working with you!
*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, SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410 or call (866)632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer
