Partner With Berkeley Food Network

Pantry Distribution Programs

• Copy of 501(c)(3) letter of determination or Copy of 501(c)(3) letter of determination from an organization providing fiscal sponsorship with evidence of sponsorship.
• Blank copy of your program’s intake form or participant application.
• Program plan detailing how your organization will distribute food received from BFN, including the location, and the hours of operation.
  • Organizations currently distributing food or operating a food program should also include a 3 month record of food distribution for the program.
  • Organizations that have not distributed before should include 2 letters of recommendation
    • Letters can be written by volunteers, donors, clients, or business contacts. The content of the letter should describe the impact your program has on the community and should not be pre-written by the applicant.
• Copy of Food safety certification: at least 1 year
• Records of regular pest control
• Abide by Food Storage Handling and Safety Practices that are in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Able to host regular distributions
  • Your organization needs to offer, at least, the same number of distributions per month that you pick up food from BFN

Meal Programs and/or Programs that Prepare Food

• Your organization needs to offer, at least, the same number of distributions per month that you pick up food from BFN

• Fully completed Berkeley Food Network Partner application.

• Copy of 501(c)(3) letter of determination or Copy of 501(c)(3) letter of determination from an organization providing fiscal sponsorship with evidence of sponsorship.

• Blank copy of your program’s intake form or participant application.

• Organizations currently distributing food or operating a food program

• 3 month record of food distribution for the program

Organizations that have not distributed before

• 2 letters of recommendation – Letters can be written by volunteers, donors, clients, or business contacts. The content of the letter should describe the impact your program has on the community and should not be pre-written by the applicant.

• Copy of Food safety certification: 5 years 

• Copy of your most recent Environmental Health inspection (required for prepared meals program)***

Important requirements for meal and snack programs – Programs that prepare food for the public (soup kitchens, meal programs, etc.) are required to acquire a permit from their local Department of Environmental Health. Please begin the process before submitting your application. A copy of your permit must be included in meal/snack program applications.

• Records of regular pest control

• Abide by Food Storage Handling and Safety Practices that are in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

• Able to host regular distributions

Do you agree to the following initial guidelines?

• Agree to distribute food directly to food insecure households and individuals at no cost and without restriction or conditions based on identity or affiliation.
• Actively advertise the food program to the community.
  • Programs accepted into the network will be listed on BFN’s resource directory and may receive regular referrals.
• Agree to adhere to food safety guidelines as well as receive Safe Food Handling training that is to be completed before partnership begins.
• Be in compliance with all local, federal, and Feeding America standards including
  • Submit monthly reports by the 5th day of every month.
  • Keep records of important documents.
  • Complete the required food safety training for your program type and follow local food safety laws.
  • Pay invoices within 30 days.
  • Successfully complete your biennial site visit from BFN staff.

Agree to not

• Redistribute products to other organizations or sites (even if those places are serving the community). BFN products should only be distributed directly from your agency to clients.
• Sell or use products from BFN in exchange for money, property, or services.
• Use products from BFN for fundraising.
• Provide food to staff or volunteers as a thank you.
• Ask for donations of any kind from your clients.
• Require clients to participate in any religious activities to receive food.
• Make it difficult or embarrassing for clients to access your services.
• Require proof of income or residency for clients to access services.

The application checklist indicates the minimum requirements needed to be considered for a Distribution Partner. Please review the application checklist below before starting the application to ensure timely submission of your application.

All Programs:

• Fully completed Berkeley Food Network Partner application.
• Copy of 501(c)(3) letter of determination or Copy of 501(c)(3) letter of determination from an organization providing fiscal sponsorship with evidence of sponsorship.
• Blank copy of your program’s intake form or participant application.
• Organizations currently distributing food or operating a food program
  • 3 month record of food distribution for the program
• Organizations that have not distributed before
  • 2 letters of recommendation – Letters can be written by volunteers, donors, clients, or business contacts. The content of the letter should describe the impact your program has on the community and should not be pre-written by the applicant.
• Copy of Food safety certification
  • 1-year ACCFB Food Safety Training
  • 3-year California Food Handler Card

Programs that prepare food:

• All above requirements

• Copy of Food safety certification

• 5-year California Food Manager Certification

• Copy of your most recent Environmental Health inspection (required for prepared meals program)***Important requirements for meal and snack programs – Programs that prepare food for the public (soup kitchens, meal programs, etc.) are required to acquire a permit from their local Department of Environmental Health. Please begin the process before submitting your application. A copy of your permit must be included in meal/snack program applications.