This section will give you all the necessary information on becoming one of our agency food partners.

There are certain criteria each organization must meet to become one of our agency food partners. Please read through the following list to be sure you meet all the criteria before printing a membership packet. Please be aware there is a $35.00 non-refundable application fee that must be sent in with your completed membership packet.

• Must be chartered in Tennessee as a not-for-profit corporation (hold a 501(c)(3)).
• Must provide food directly to the needy, elderly, ill, or infants in the form of meals and/or emergency food supplies.
• Must coordinate food solicitation efforts by keeping Second Harvest informed of other sources of food acquisition.
• Must maintain adequate storage to insure the integrity of the food until use; if using perishables, must have adequate refrigeration.
• Must be licensed or certified by all appropriate health authorities, if required.
• Must have an agency representative attend training provided by Second Harvest to member agencies both prior to joining and thereafter.
• Must provide transportation and labor to pick up food at Second Harvest's warehouse.
• Must abide by any special instructions indicated on the Agency Invoice, a copy of which is provided at the time the food is picked up.
• Must schedule pick-up times as set forth by Second Harvest.
• Must complete and sign the food receipt, Criteria and Release forms, Agency Membership Contract, and the Agency Application.
• Must support the operation of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee with a maximum shared maintenance fee of $0.14 per pound (gross weight) received (fee subject to change). Checks are to be business checks (no personal checks will be accepted), made payable to Second Harvest and remitted no later than the last day of each month following the month the food is received. Late charges will be applied to any accounts that are more than 30 days past due.
• Must be monitored by a panel of food bank representatives at yearly intervals to insure compliance with these criteria.
• Must agree not to use the term "food bank" or the name "Second Harvest" in member agency name.
• Must keep accurate records of individuals served monthly and of food disbursed by Second Harvest, and must have an established process for the distribution of food.
• Must agree not to sell food or charge for meals, and to not abuse membership privileges by ordering for non-agencies or trading Second Harvest products with them.
• Must not use food bank products for any other programs, e.g. banquets, parties, fundraisers, etc.
• Must assume responsibility for payment of all charges incurred by the agency.
• Must notify Second Harvest immediately if program is discontinued, authorized shopping person is replaced, program changes location, or of any other changes.
• Must understand that violation of any of the above rules is grounds for investigation and possible suspension of member agency status.