|
A list of the most frequently asked questions regarding our network of member agencies.
What are Emergency Food Providers?
Emergency Food Providers are non-profit programs with IRS tax exempt status 501(c)3 and have established an ongoing food assistance programs distributing at a minimum of once per month monthly either bags or boxes of groceries and/or prepared meals on-site to their clients. These programs also provide food assistance on an emergency basis to anyone in need.
There are three classifications of Emergency Food Providers:
Emergency Food Pantry
- Provides groceries, at least monthly, to those in need of one-time emergency or occasional food assistance for home preparation and consumption.
- Does not charge a fee or require service from participants in exchange for food.
- Must only require participants to self-declared need.
Emergency Soup Kitchen
- Prepares and serves on site meals regularly to those in need.
- Does not charge a fee or require service from participants in exchange for food.
- Serves all those who present themselves for a meal.
Emergency Shelter
- Regularly provides shelter where those who are homeless are temporarily housed.
- Length of residency is no more than 6 months.
- Does not charge a fee to participants in exchange for food.
How do I sign up to become a member agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio?
Your program must be in existence for a minimum of 6 months prior to application for membership. Potential member agencies must fill out an agency application, submit the required documentation and have an on-site monitoring by a member of Second Harvest's staff. New Agencies
How do I sign up for Orientation?
Please call the Agency Relations Department at (440) 960-2265, x-227 to learn of available dates and times. All member agencies must complete orientation prior to receiving food from Second Harvest.
Does Second Harvest deliver?
Yes. We currently have a once-a-month delivery program to our member agencies for a nominal $25 fee. Please contact the Customer Service Coordinator at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
for information.
Can I come to Second Harvest to pick-up my food order?
Yes. Agency appointments are available from 8:00AM – 12:30PM, Monday through Friday. Appointment times are extended until 2PM on Mondays and Fridays.
When can I pick-up bread and produce?
Because they are highly perishable items, bread and produce can be picked up without an appointment from 8:00AM – 12:30PM, Monday through Friday. First come, first serve.
How much does food cost from Second Harvest?
Nearly half of the food from Second Harvest is available for free to qualified member agencies. For the remaining portion, there is a shared maintenance fee of fifteen cents per pound. This is an assessed handling cost regardless of product type which helps pay for transportation and storage. Value-Priced (VP) items are purchased for agencies by Second Harvest and distributed to agencies at cost, plus a fifteen cents per pound handling fee. Items available at no shared maintenance fee include bread, fresh produce, dairy products, and some perishable items, as well as USDA, OFP and OACP food. (See USDA, OFP & OACP descriptions below.)
What if I don’t know what a product is, or don’t understand the product description on the food order sheet?
Please call the Customer Service Coordinatorat (440) 960-2265, x-228 and ask. We’ll be happy to describe any product for you.
How do I place a food order?
The Agency Shopping List is available under Agency Forms. E-mail your completed order to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or fax to (440) 960-2356.
What is USDA? How do I get it? Am I eligible?
The term “USDA” refers to the type of foods available through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a federal food distribution program sponsored by The United States Department of Agriculture. USDA-donated foods are provided at no charge to approved distribution sites in our region by the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. To be eligible you must be one of the following emergency food providers: food pantries, soup kitchens, transitional houses and shelters. New agencies are eligible to receive these products after a 90-day waiting period.
What is OFP and OACP?
The Ohio Food Program (OFP) and Ohio Agricultural Clearance Program (OACP) are funded through the state of Ohio’s biennium budget and coordinated by the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks. OFP provides non-perishable food items to emergency food providers and OACP is a market clearing initiative, which has built a strong production alliance between Ohio's agricultural commodity producers, growers and processors to provide fresh and shelf stable nutritious foods for distribution to low-income Ohioans. New agencies are eligible to receive these products after a 90-day waiting period.
What is Second Helpings?
Second Helpings is our member agency newsletter, sent to all member agencies. Its' purpose is to keep agencies aware of important information, rules, changes in inventory, dates we are closed, upcoming events and anti-hunger resources.
What is America's Second Harvest, The Nation's Food Bank Network?
America’s Second Harvest, The Nation’s Food Bank Network is a network of food banks across the United States. The Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio is an America’s Second Harvest affiliate and follows the rules and regulations set forth by America’s Second Harvest-The Nation's Food Bank Network. www.secondharvest.org
What is the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks?
The mission of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) is to maximize the effectiveness of America's Second Harvest Food Banks in Ohio in providing food to hungry people. The Association is made up of the 12 regional Second Harvest Food Banks. OASHF manages several programs including the Ohio Food Program and Ohio Agricultural Production Alliance. www.oashf.org
|
Agencies 
