Q: What kind of organization can partner with Dare to Care Food Bank?
A: Tax laws allow Dare to Care Food Bank to build partnerships with nonprofit organizations, eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(C)(3), and churches. All organizations that apply for partnership with Dare to Care must provide proof of its 501(C)(3) status, or proof that it falls under the tax-exempt umbrella of a larger, faith-based organization, or be a church that meets the IRS 14-Question Criteria for Churches. An additional IRS directive requires that more than half of those served by the organization are in need.
Q: Where are Dare to Care’s partners located?
A: Dare to Care Food Bank’s service area covers thirteen counties, eight are in Kentucky and five are in Indiana. Kentucky counties include: Bullitt, Carroll, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble. Indiana counties include: Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison and Washington. Dare to Care strives to strategically develop a network of partners within its service area to ensure efficient service to those in need.
Q:What does Dare to Care consider when developing a new partnership?
A: Dare to Care’s Application Committee considers the following when an organization applies for partnership with Dare to Care:
- Nonprofit status of the organization
- Location of the organization
- Mission of the organization
- Population served by the organization
- Physical plant (adequate / secure / climate controlled dry food storage areas, freezer/s, refrigeration, shelving, client access, signage)
- Organizational Capacity (leadership, volunteers, adequate vehicle to transport food, computer access, available hours of operation)
- The organization’s other sources of food and/or donations
Q: How may partner agencies use the food received from Dare to Care?
A: Partner Agencies distribute food to those in need of food assistance. Food Pantries are approved to give clients food to take home to prepare. Emergency Kitchens and Shelters are approved to prepare food for clients to consume on site. Closed Network Partners are approved to provide food service to the defined client populations they serve. In every case, all food must be provided free of charge. Partner Agencies agree not to discriminate based on race, creed, national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Q: What about food safety?
A: Partner Agencies must have adequate and secure dry storage space, freezers and refrigeration to protect the food’s safety. Dare to Care consults with prospective partners on food safety requirements, and provides mandatory food safety training to approved Partner Agencies. Emergency Kitchen and Shelter Partners must comply with state and local regulations regarding food preparation facilities.
Q: How often may a Partner Agency withdraw food from the food bank?
A: Partner Agencies may pick-up a food bank order from Dare to Care once a week. Partner Agencies may pick-up fresh produce from Dare to Care more often, if needed.
Q: Interested in becoming a Partner Agency?
A: Dare to Care’s application process runs from March 1 – August 31 each year. Please click here for application materials. Applications must be received by August 31. If you have questions after reviewing the application materials, please contact Laura Frankrone at laura.frankrone@daretocare.org.