Thank you for your interest in partnering with the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

We are proud to work with more than 130 nonprofit partner organizations that share our mission of providing nutritious food to those in need. Our partner organizations are held to the highest standards of charitable food distribution and are subject to regular compliance monitoring.

When reviewing new applications, we consider several factors, including location, service days and hours, and adherence to food safety standards, among others. Having an established food program or pantry with regular service days and hours is recommended. Please note that submitting an interest form does not guarantee a partnership with the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

Partnership Application Process

1. Review Eligibility Requirements
   Carefully review the Partnership Eligibility Requirements to determine whether your organization qualifies to become a Redwood Empire Food Bank partner.
2. Submit a Partnership Application 
   If your organization meets all mandatory eligibility criteria, complete and submit the Partner Application. This helps us learn more about your organization and its services.
3. Await Contact from Partner Relations
   After submitting your form, please wait to be contacted by our Partner Relations team. We will reach out if there is a potential opportunity for partnership.
4. Submit Required Documentation
   If contacted, you will be asked to provide documentation demonstrating your organization’s ability to meet each eligibility requirement. All paperwork must be submitted before we can schedule a site visit.
5. Schedule a Site Visit
   If your documentation is approved, a Partner Relations team member will schedule a site visit to assess your organization’s compliance with our food safety standards. 
6. Final Assessment
   Your program will be assessed, and a Partner Relations team member will reach out with the results. 

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Partnership Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for partnership with the Redwood Empire Food Bank, organizations must meet the following criteria:

General Requirements

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• May not be classified as a private foundation, even if it holds 501(c)(3) status.
• Must have a Board of Directors, governing body, or formal advisory group that oversees operational procedures, including budgeting.
• Must distribute food at least twice per month, serving a minimum of 50 clients per distribution.
  • Note: Residential programs (e.g., group homes, rehabilitation centers) are exempt from the client per distribution requirement.
• Must have the administrative ability to comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including the ability to submit online reports.
• Must use the food bank participation tracking software, keeping personal information secure at all times.
• Must not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, or nationality.

Food Distribution Standards

• Food must be distributed free of charge, with no requirement to pay, pray, or work in exchange for food.
• No religious activities may occur during food distribution, including optional prayer.
• Partners may not sell, barter, or exchange donated products for money, property, or services.
• Partners may not redistribute donated food/products to other pantries, kitchens, shelters, or charitable organizations.
• Partners must be committed to:
  • Providing balanced and nutritious meals or food bags.
  • Promoting client choice, allowing individuals to select food items when possible.

Facility and Staffing Requirements

• Must operate out of a clean building with an active pest control plan and a secured location for food storage only accessible to food distribution staff.
• Must have trained and certified personnel:
  • Pantries must have at least one staff member or volunteer with a Food Handler Certificate.
  • Soup kitchens must have at least one staff member or volunteer with a Food Manager Certificate and a current county health permit.
  • Certified food safety training is available through ServSafe, Premier Food Safety, and Prometric.

Volunteer Support

• Must have a strong volunteer base, with:
  • At least five volunteers are present at each food distribution.
  • Additional volunteers are available for tasks such as food ordering and pickup.