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This guide covers the rationale behind the new agency contract, FAQs, recommended best practices, policy changes, and communication challenges. Topics include agency release, non-profit status, operational requirements, food safety, service requirements, monitoring, and non-compliance. FAQs address issues like food for volunteers, proselytizing expectations, client screening, inter-agency food sharing, and client donations. Recommended practices for minimizing barriers and efficient food distribution are also highlighted.
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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