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| SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK (SDFB) CODE OF ETHICS |
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| SDFB is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct in carrying out our mission to alleviate hunger. SDFB staff, board, volunteers, representatives, participating agencies and stakeholders of any nature will be expected to adhere to the following principles: |
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OUR MISSION
To provide food to people in need, advocate for the hungry and educate the public about hunger related issues. |
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INTEGRITY, STEWARDSHIP, RECIPIENTS AND OUR COMMUNITY
- NEVER barter, sell, or trade food/product at any time
- We will keep faith with the public trust through the efficient and compassionate use of resources entrusted to us.
- We will have the highest regard for the proper sorting, safe storage, handling and distribution of food.
- We will remain committed to an ethic of sharing with Food Banks in regions with less food resources or who may be able use resources to serve others in need.
- We will be open and honest in all.
- We will commit ourselves to meeting the needs of agencies and clients by providing quality services and products.
- We will perform all functions according to the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, lawfulness and responsibility.
- We will provide leadership and collaborate with others to advocate on behalf of the clients we serve and their food security needs.
- We will show respect for, and honor the dignity of those who are hungry and in need of our services.
- We will collaborate with agencies and other community organizations to assure fairness and equitable distribution of product.
- We will solicit input from our stakeholders on ways to better improve our services and our partnership with those actively engaged in the fulfillment of our mission.
- We will foster and encourage cooperation at the local, regional and national levels in community-building efforts, which seek long term solutions to hunger.
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST & LEGAL COMPLIANCE
- We will be legally constituted in compliance with and faithful to the letter and spirit of all applicable laws, regulations, bylaws and mission statements.
- We will have conflict of interest policies regarding board, staff and volunteers and will adhere to these policies in all dealings.
- We will ensure that human and agency relations’, policies and procedures will be legally grounded and respectful of the dignity and rights of individuals.
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COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, TOLERENCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
- We will strive to reflect in our staff, boards and agencies the diversity of the community in which we are located and the cultural groups served.
- We will be sensitive to the diverse cultures served in the acquisition and allocation of grocery products.
- We respect people of all races, religions, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation or physical ability and will not allow differences to affect services.
- We have a responsibility to present the diverse face of hunger to donors and the general public in information about hunger in San Diego County.
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COMMUNICATION
- We will maintain all records, ensuring access to this information for donors, funders and the general public in fulfillment of the public trust we hold.
We will be open and honest in our working relationships.
- We will have systems in place that provide timely, accurate and pertinent information.
- We will ensure that communication will be accurate, candid, respectful and appropriate to the situation.
- We will maintain and use consistent avenues for on-going, interactive communication to develop understanding and increased collaboration.
- We will strive to make the public aware of hunger, the factors that contribute to it, and the solutions provided by SDFB.
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ACCOUNTABILITY, BUSINESS & FINANCIAL PRACTICES
- We shall maintain confidentiality, promote sound and informative financial reporting, and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
- The community deserves and shall receive practices and services that maintain and promote standards of technical competence, morality and integrity.
- We will set clear standards of accountability to ensure competence, efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling our respective missions. These standards will apply to our policies, decisions and actions: and will require complete, accurate and clear recordkeeping and report information.
- We will not knowingly falsify any records related to business/financial practices, and/or knowingly withhold information that is public information.
- We will solicit funds according to the highest ethical standards and in full compliance with the laws and regulations governing fund raising activities.
- We will provide public accountability as to all resources given to the organization for the accomplishment of its state mission.
- SDFB will seek business only on a fair and competitive basis.
- SDFB's promotion of its services will be ethical, honest and positive.
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CONCERNS / QUESTIONS
- SDFB will respond to any issues identified by SDFB or its stakeholders. Everyone is encouraged to share concerns with SDFB. Methods for sharing issues include - suggestion boxes, SDFB's web site, surveys that seek input from all stakeholders.
- If anyone chooses to make an allegation with respect to a violation of ethics and/or conduct, they must put their allegations/concerns in writing and forward the allegation to the General Manager (GM). The GM will take the necessary and appropriate steps to address the concern(s).
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STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
- Staff and volunteers are critical to our ability to meet the demands of the mission and they will be treated with dignity and respect as valuable colleagues.
- Staff and volunteers will be given clear understanding of the mission of the organization, job definitions and expectations.
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GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP
- Recognize its leadership role in alleviating hunger.
- SDFB’s Board Members are committed to the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, lawfulness and responsibility.
- Board members will be entrusted with the well-being of the organization and will demonstrate the highest integrity and leadership on behalf of the organization.
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ADVOCACY
- We will conduct our activities in a manner that brings the greatest attention possible to the problems of hunger and of food surplus.
- We will clearly identify service areas and respect agreed upon restrictions in product solicitations, fund raising and media relations.
- We will share information, expertise and resources in a spirit of collaboration.
- We will actively participate in community projects to ensure achievement of our mission and the clients we serve.
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