How to Start a Food Bank

Starting a local food bank can be very helpful when feeding people in need. Organizing a food bank takes preparation and organization. The food bank must meet specific requirements before it can distribute food.

Things You'll Need

• Form 1023
• Document 501(c)(3)
• Storage site
• Staff
• Transportation

Instructions

1. Obtain a 501(c)(3) Letter of Determination from the IRS. In most states this document is necessary to start a food bank. Contact the IRS and request form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption). This process usually takes six weeks, Fees do apply when filing for 501(c)(3) status and they vary from state to state. If you cannot afford to file, finding a sponsor or parent organization can help.

2. Locate a storage site. Feeding America requires its Partner Agencies to meet specific requirements when opening a food bank. The site must have adequete shelving for accepting large quantites of food. If you are wanting to distribute refrigerated or frozen foods, proper storage is needed. All areas of storage must be lockable.

3. Create a budget for your food bank. This budget will pay for the food bank's expenses. The budget can come from grants, donations or other sources. The budget will cover staffing, transportation, pest control, cleaning supplies, thermometers and storage containers.

4. Create a staff of workers. The workers can either be volunteers or paid employees. The workers will help stock food, create boxes and bags of foods, conduct client intake, clean the facility, keep distribution records, write reports and pick up food.

5. Obtain reliable transporation. This is important for consistent collecting of food. Vehicles that are large work best so that more can be transported at one time and you can minimize the cost of gas.

6. Create client eligibility guidelines regarding who can be fed and how often and the amount of food to be provided. The IRS rules state that the food pantry cannot require the client to make a donation, attend church or work for food.

7. Keep accurate records. The food pantry should obtain records to account for any food that is being collected and distributed. These records will document who needs food, where the food is going, date of food distribution and client information.

References

• Foodbank Network: Start a Food Pantry