Becoming a Partner Agency

Second Harvest Food Bank offers non-profit organizations that provide food assistance packages or on-site meals a supplemental source of nutritious foods, including fresh produce and frozen meats. Partner agencies also receive guidance and technical assistance regarding nutrition, proper food handling, food storage, programming, volunteer recruitment, meal planning and more.Becoming a partner agency of the Second Harvest Food Bank enables your organization to more effectively and efficiently use its resources in support of its programs and your community.

There is no membership fee or direct fee for any products available through the Second Harvest Food Bank. We do require a "Shared Maintenance Fee" determined by pounds of food received. This fee is 18 cents per pound for most products, and eligible agencies may obtain certain government provided food items at no fee. Read more about Participation Criteria and Benefits of Membership.

Membership is open to agencies providing food packages or meals, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, low-income day care centers, senior centers, substance abuse rehabilitation programs and disability rehabilitation programs.

Getting Started

Step #1– Print and complete the Request for Membership form and fax it to the Second Harvest Food Bank at (336) 784-7369.

Step #2 – Agency Relations staff will review your Request for Membership and follow up with you. If certain preliminary eligibility requirements are met, we will then send your organization a Partner Agency Application.

Step #3 – Your organization submits a Partner Agency Application and other required documentation to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Step # 4 – Our Agency Relations staff reviews the application and contacts your organization to clarify any questions and/or to arrange an on-site visit to the program location.

Step #5 – Following a successful on-site visit, selected staff from your organization, including the Director and those most closely involved with the feeding program, will be required to attend an orientation session at the Second Harvest Food Bank. Sessions are held every third Wednesday from 10 a.m.-noon.

The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, but can vary depending on how soon we receive the application documentation, how quickly we can schedule a visit to your organization, and the availability of your agency representatives to attend an orientation session.