Warehouse Distribution Program
The Foodbank’s traditional program receives donations of food and other grocery items from many donors and industries. These products may be partially damaged or surplus. The Foodbank collects this food, inspects it, carefully saves what is safe to use, and distributes it to partner agencies to supplement their food program. Due to a decrease in donated food, your Foodbank also has a purchased food program wherein our partner agencies are able to purchase staple foods at a reduced cost.
Partner agencies give the food, at no charge or obligation, to persons in need. Some partner agencies use the food in emergency food pantry programs, while others use the food in soup kitchens, battered women’s shelters, homeless shelters, residential programs for the mentally challenged and other programs. Foodbank partner agencies may expect to meet 40% to 50% of their food needs with Foodbank products, supplemented by Food Rescue pickup.
USDA Commodities – The Foodbank has an exclusive contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia to distribute USDA TEFAP Commodities in our service area. The Foodbank distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of these shelf stable, nutritious canned goods and staples through emergency pantry programs and our own food program each year. Some additional paperwork is involved, as this is a Federal Government program. Therefore, the Foodbank provides training and technical assistance to those emergency food pantry programs distributing these products on a regular basis. Classes are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at the Foodbank. Call your Agency Relations Representative to register.
FEMA – The Foodbank has administered FEMA funds for many years. The Federal Emergency Management Agency designates funds to cities and counties to alleviate hunger and homelessness. Some jurisdictions pass a portion or all of their emergency food allocation through the Foodbank. The Foodbank then uses these funds to acquire food for designated partner agencies to distribute through their food pantry program. All partner agencies are eligible and the selections are made based on compliancy, location and other contributing factors. Partner agencies’ Monthly Reports weigh heavily in the agency allocation process.
Food Rescue Program – In addition to the warehouse distribution program, the Foodbank administers the Food Rescue Program which builds relationships in our community between local donors and member agencies. Member agencies pick up fresh food on a daily or weekly basis from donors. The program identifies member agencies for participation based on the size and needs of their feeding program and their ability to pick up donations on a regular schedule. The Foodbank facilitates the relationship between the local donor and the agency.
Kid’s Cafe – Kids Cafe is a national program founded by Feeding AMerica (the national network of Food Banks) to solve the nation-wide problem of child hunger. Kid’s Cafe provides a place where at risk children, ages 5 to 18, can come and receive a free, nutritious, evening meal daily in a warm, safe, supportive environment. Currently, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia sponsors nearly 30 sites around Hampton Roads.
The Foodbank on the Eastern Shore – This Foodbank is a FSEVA branch which also operates a Thrift Store in Tasley, Virginia. The Eastern Shore Thrift Store not only provides low cost items for folks in the area, it also meets emergency situations by providing free items to families in need. The Thrift Store also generates income for the continued operation of the Foodbank on the Eastern Shore.
Justine’s Clothes Bank – In honor of Ms. Justine Nusbaum’s 90th birthday and in honor of her life long commitment to those in need, the Nusbaum family and its friends endowed Justine’s 1990. The Clothes Bank distributes vouchers to agencies such as the American Red Cross, local Departments of Social Services, Child and Protective Services, local Health Department WIC Offices and others. Member agencies can make a direct referral to Justine’s for a client qualifying for these services.
You can download a printable copy of the above Foodbank programs here.
What Else Does the Foodbank Do?
• The Foodbank works with a network of over 300 community agencies and churches serving people in need.
• The Foodbank is also part of Feeding America, a nationwide network of similar food banks. Thus, the Foodbank can tap a vast pool of expertise.
• In 1992, Feeding America forged an agreement with the American Red Cross. Regional food banks stage food relief in natural disasters in cooperation with the American Red Cross. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia has provided emergency food relief to victims of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Midwest Floods in 1993, Hurricane Floyd in 1999, Hurricane Isabel in 2003, as well as to victims of other domestic disasters.
• The agency relations department is available to answer questions and offer support and technical assistance. Various resource materials are also available for loan. These materials give guidance and information on many topics, including how to organize a food pantry, sample menus, safe food handling, legislative issues, nutrition, local, state and national statistics, and much more.
Discrimination is NOT Acceptable
No Member Foodbank shall deny participation to any agency nor access to food on the basis of race, creed, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation including gender identity, sex, age or handicap. Nor shall any member Foodbank distribute food to any organization which itself maintains any of the above discriminatory practices.
Any agency found to be discriminating in their food distribution practices will lose their Foodbank privileges until they come into compliance with our non-discrimination policy.