About Food Bank Funding
Food Banks rely on a patchwork of funding to keep food flowing to low-income Californians. Some of this funding comes from the following Sources.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR FOOD BANKS:
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP): Through this program, approximately 50 organizations receive emergency food and funding for storage and distribution. EFAP is a federal food program, administered through the CA Department of Social Services. For more information call (916) 229-3344 or go to http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/efap/PG1910.htm
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): CDBG is federal funding administered through local governments. CDBG provides eligible cities and counties with annual direct grants that can be used for projects and services to benefit low- and moderate-income persons. For more information go to: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): CSFB is federal funding administered through the CA Dept. of Community Services and Development. The funds are allocated to an existing network of community action agencies and other eligible entities. CSBG is designed to provide a range of services to assist low-income people in achieving self-sufficiency. For more information call (916) 341-4200 or go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Funds: FEMA channels funds to a national Emergency Food and Shelter board. The national board allocates funds to local boards that provide emergency food and shelter grants. Many food distribution organizations uses these funds to purchase staple foods. For more information, go to: www.efsp.unitedway.org
Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP): CFNP are federal funds administered through the Federal Administration for Children and Families. Through an annual competitive process, agencies can apply for grants to help coordinate existing private and public food assistance resources; identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs; and develop innovative approaches to nutrition needs. For more information, call (202) 401-5252, or go to: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs/01comply/cfn.htm
PRIVATE FUNDING FOR FOOD BANKS:
Member Contributions/Shared Maintenance Fees: Member contributions, also known as agency service fees, or “shared maintenance fees” are handling fees paid to food banks by member agencies in return for services provided by the food banks. All food is distributed free of charge to needy people. The function of the shared maintenance fee is to support the work of getting food bank items to low income individuals.
Community food drives: Most food banks organize community food drives. These food drives include, Boy Scout Food Drive held in November, holiday food drives and the Letter Carriers Drive (sponsored by the National Letter Carriers Association) in May. Your food bank may have other food drives.
Cash Donations from Individuals: Most food banks depend heavily on donations from $5 -$500 given by individuals in the community. Cash donations are increasingly important as large food donations are less frequent and food banks are needing to purchase food. Now, food banks can use cash donations to purchase low-cost, California grown produce through CAFB's Farm to Family Program.
Foundation Donations: Food Banks rely on local community foundations and various state or national foundations. In California, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger and the California Endowment have been important partners in reducing hunger.