California Association of Food Banks - Become a food bank member

While the primary membership in the Association is expected to be food banks, (click here for the definition of a food bank), ample opportunities are available for other organizations and groups to participate within the structure. This can include other hunger related organizations, food industry representation, and any organization that believes in and supports the activities of the Association and its membership. The two categories of CAFB membership are:

Applicants in each category will be required to complete a standard California Association of Food Banks application for membership, providing the requested documentation of their services and status to ensure their proper placement in the correct category.

Membership Criteria - Full Members

Food bank members are non-profit corporations that meet the criteria set forth in the definition below. The applicant will have as a minimum a proven six-month operational history as a food bank (receiving and distributing food) before full membership in the Association will be approved.

Membership Criteria - Associate Members

Associate Members are food distribution groups other than food banks, out-of-state food banks, anti-hunger advocacy groups, and other organizations working on hunger issues and the well-being of low-income people. Associate members are not entitled to vote.

Members apply by completing the standard application and submitting requested documentation. All membership applications will be subject to Board review and approval. Please contact CAFB at (510) 272-4435 or info@cafoodbanks.org with any questions regarding membership or to request a membership application packet.

For membership purposes in the California Association of Food Banks, a California Food Bank is defined as follows:

A California food bank is a non-profit corporation with incorporation accepted and approved by the State of California with 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status approved by the Internal Revenue Service and with 23701 (d) tax exempt status approved by the State of California; be in good standing with the Federal and State authorities governing non-profit organizations; and have a Board of Directors representing the community served. The organization must on a daily basis solicit, receive, warehouse and distribute donated food within a defined service area, primarily (more than 50%) to a wide range of non-profit agencies that operate food assistance programs for low-income people, primarily (more than 50%) in California. The organization must also demonstrate a commitment to the principle of non-discrimination and demonstrate that they work collegially with other California food banks in furtherance of the Association’s mission to build a well-nourished California.