How can I help?
Volunteer opportunities are available in the warehouse and office, as well as for special events and projects. Set up an appointment to take a tour and learn more about our programs.
What is a food bank?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry and low-income people.
Is the food bank a government entity?
We are not a government agency. FoodLink is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. A volunteer Board of Directors governs the organization. FoodLink employs a dedicated staff and involves thousands of volunteers in its work. Approximately 25% of our operating funds are provided by government sources.
What is the difference between a food bank, food pantry, and soup kitchen?
A food bank solicits, stores and distributes large donations of food, donations that a single food pantry could not accept because of a lack of storage capacity at their facility. Food banks feed the needs of hungry people by distributing the donations they receive to a large number of member agencies, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, meal programs, drug treatment centers, and senior care centers.
A food pantry provides three to five-day food packages to those who do not have enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals.
Soup kitchens serve walk-ins in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them. Most soup kitchens serve a full, balanced meal, and some prepare and deliver meals to the homebound, as well.
How does the food get to these agencies?
FoodLink delivers more than 75% its food to its member agencies. We have a small fleet of trucks that deliver throughout the county. Local agencies also make scheduled visits to our warehouse to pick up allotments of food.
Where do you get your funding?
FoodLink is privately funded through a number of revenue sources, including individuals, corporations, foundations, special events and federal, state and county government agencies and grants. The majority of our funding comes from caring individuals like you. Ninety-five percent (95%) of every donation goes towards programs/operations and 5% goes toward administrative costs.