Membership Basics Guide to Good Shepherd Food Bank’s “Agency Contract” and policies.

What we’ll cover… Rationale New Agency Contract Frequently Asked Questions and “Gray areas” Some recommended best practices Open session for your questions

New Agency Contract Some policy changes More user-friendly Universal application

Communication challenges Confusing contract Too much legalese from National Network and Government Staffing restrictions

Preamble Unity Collaboration Professional Support

Section 1: Agency Release Let’s be friends Let’s be safe

Section 2-B: Nonprofit Status Nonprofit status – Mission alignment No selling of food – Accessibility to those in need – Accelerated deduction incentive

Section 2-C: Operational Requirements Shared maintenance fees Donor stipulations Records – Number of people – Amount of food in and out Distribution hours

Section 2-D: Food Safety Monitoring Food Safety Training opportunities – This conference – One-on-one GSFB trainings – ServSafe Online certification – University of Maine, Cooperative Extension – Others

Section 2-E: Service Requirements Confidentiality Fairness Dignity Accountability

Section 3: Monitoring Pre-monitor Regular monitoring (once a year) Site visits (sporadic) Announced or unannounced

Section 4: Non-compliance Probation Suspension Termination Grievance

FAQ: Can we give food to volunteers as a “thank you?” Nope Goes against IRS laws Goes against Labor laws Best practice tip: Volunteers who are eligible for assistance should go through the same process as all others who are eligible. There are numerous alternatives to show your appreciation.

FAQ: What are expectations around proselytizing? Participation cannot be mandatory and no discrimination based on faith or lack thereof Our goal is to feed people, and to that end we aim to minimize barriers Best practice tip: Check restrictions from other food sources, such as TEFAP. Consider only making literature available.

FAQ: How must we screen our clients for eligibility? Within reason, it is up to you to establish eligibility We do not require you to check incomes/ residency/assets/citizenship or anything else A “statement of need” will suffice in most cases Best practice tip: Use the TEFAP form.

FAQ: Can we give food to another agency or organization? No – this is a recent, but necessary change in our policy Food safety concern Accountability concern – No similar contract between you and the other recipient organization Best practice tip: If you’re interested in sharing food with other organizations, talk with Food Bank staff to explore options.

FAQ: Can we accept donations from clients? Yes, but… Donations must be truly voluntary – No solicitation – Collection cannot coincide with distribution – no cans at the end of the line Best practice tip: Don’t accept donations from clients unless they insist on their own.

Recommended Practices Minimizing barriers to receiving food means more people can eat and less food gets wasted Client choice model More scheduled distributions/meals Recommend 5-7 days supply Minimal screening

Questions?