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how are new agencies and/or shoppers oriented to the program?
The San Diego Food Bank requires that every new agency and shopper attend an orientation workshop called "Fundamentals of Food Banking." This course is offered on the first Thursday of every month at 12:00PM. It is hosted at the San Diego Food Bank warehouse and taught by the Nonprofit Relations team. All new agencies must attend this workshop within two months (two sessions) of joining the San Diego Food Bank. New shoppers must also attend within two months of membership. All agencies and shoppers that do not fulfill this requirement within the listed timeframe will be put on hold and not allowed to pick up food from the Food Center. To register for Fundamentals of Food Banking now, please click here. |
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How long does the membership application process take?
The whole process can take 1 to 3 weeks. Once you have submitted your application, you will hear from us within a couple of days to schedule your site visit. We will not schedule a site visit until your application packet is complete. Pending a successful site visit, your membership privileges will be activated and you will be expected to attend the New Agency Orientation. The orientation is held the lastMonday of each month at 10:00am and is mandatory for all new shoppers. |
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Is there a fee for becoming a member?
There is a one time $50.00 application-processing fee. In addition, we charge "Shared Maintenance Fees" on all of our items. The Shared Maintenance Fee varies for different items. In addition we have bulk food for purchase at a discounted rate through our Food Purchase Program |
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What are my benefits as a member?
Becoming a Food Bank member agency enables you to gain access to food and other resources. This in turn allows your agency to more effectively and efficiently support the needs of low-income communities in San Diego County. |
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What permits are required for my program to be in operation?
Depending on your program type (soup kitchen, food pantry, senior center, etc.) different permits are required for operation. To find out what permits will be required for your agency, please call one of our Agency Relations representatives at (858) 527-1419 ext. 32 or 33 |
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Where does the Food Bank receive food?
National and local food manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, brokers and food distributors donate food and related products to the San Diego Food Bank. These products, including packaged, canned, perishable and non-perishable foods, meet all food safety and nutrition standards. All food is subject to a shared maintenance fee.
In addition, the Food Bank is contracted by city, state and federal government agencies to administer, warehouse, purchase and distribute food to San Diego County-based emergency food programs.
In order to be able to supply the food programs with a variety of much-needed products, the Food Bank also purchases quantities of staple foods and basic supplies at wholesale prices.
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Can members get fresh produce?
Yes, the Food Bank's fresh produce program helps agencies to better assist clients in meeting nutritional needs. The produce is inspected to ensure high-quality. |
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How do I know what items the Food Bank has in stock?
The inventory list is updated every day and contains a complete listing of every item available. |
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What kind of food is available?
The Food Bank's 70,000 square-foot warehouse, located in Mira Mesa, is stocked with dry, canned and frozen items, fresh produce and brand name items. We also have non-food products including diapers, cleaning products, and paper goods. |
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How do community food programs get food from the Food Bank?
Orders can be placed from our inventory list for items that are available in bulk or by the case.In addition, the food bank’s agency relations department stocks the “Marketplace” where agencies can personally select assorted items |
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Are there any reporting requirements?
Yes, you will be required to submit quarterly reports on the 15th of January, April, July, and October. These reports cover the previous three months of food distribution. Reports may be submitted by mail, fax, or email. To download a copy of the form, please click here. |
