Farmers to Families Food Box Program FAQs
For background information on this program, please see last Friday's OFB update!
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Does my organization need to be a TEFAP/USDA agency to participate in the FFFBP program?
No, there are no restrictions on this food, and it can be distributed through a supplemental program such as a produce distribution or 2D program. The primary consideration is time and temperature abuse. This product must be held at or below 41°F to maintain food safe conditions.
Are there any additional eligibility requirements for FFFBP Food?
No, this food does not have any additional eligibility requirements. If your program participates in the TEFAP program then all TEFAP rules apply to this food.
Can this food take the place of a regular TEFAP visit?
Service through an Oregon Food Bank program cannot be limited based on whether an individual has or will receive a food box through the FFFB. In other words, participation in the FFFB program cannot be used to deny TEFAP services.
Can a pantry use a different screening process for non-TEFAP foods? Can we give this food to our clients instead of TEFAP?
No. If a Recipient Agency receives TEFAP foods for distribution, then it must follow the USDA/State of Oregon eligibility screening criteria for all food boxes distributed. The screening process is tied only to TEFAP eligibility. If a pantry has TEFAP food in stock, the expectation/assumption is that these foods are being distributed as part of a commingled supply of food being provided to clients.
What types of products are in the food boxes?
PCFC will be providing three types of boxes that include - produce, mixed dairy, and a combination box (includes produce, mixed dairy, and precooked meat (chicken and pork). More details related to the type of products and partner companies coming soon!
What records do we need to keep?
Like any receipts these records should be stored on file at your organization for a minimum of 3 years.
Please continue to keep regular client distribution records using USDA form 4, Link2Feed or another approved intake software or form.
How do we keep this food safe?
All of this food is temperature control for safety, and must be kept out of the temperature danger zone. For more information on this please consult the OFB food safety handling manual or food safety video.
How long will this last?
These awards run through a six week base period (May 15-June 30), and there will be three subsequent funding rounds, each eight weeks in length (July-Aug), option two (Sep-Oct), and option three (Nov-Dec). The USDA will make determinations about extensions to contracts throughout this time period and will notify us along the way.
Questions related to agency receiving direct shipments
Are we required to participate in this program?
No - participation in this program is totally optional.
How many boxes are on a pallet?
There are 50 to 70 boxes on each pallet depending on the type of box.
Should we treat this food differently?
Please treat this food like you would any donation. There are no additional restrictions required to accept and distribute this food.
What if our organization runs a non TEFAP site as well as a TEFAP program can we distribute these boxes through the non TEFAP program?
Yes, there are no restrictions on this food, and it can be distributed through a supplemental program such as a produce distribution or 2D program. The primary consideration is time and temperature abuse. This product must be held at or below 41°F to maintain food safe conditions.
What other organizations are distributing food boxes made by Pacific Coast Fruit Company?
Pacific Coast Fruit Company (PCFC) has also been in contact with other partners in the community, including school districts, faith-based organizations (e.g. Portland School District, Archdiocese of Portland, other Catholic-based organizations). Earlier in the week, there were broad communications from organizations that caused confusion in many of our communities. OFB has been working with PCFC and our community partners to better clarify communication and share details related to logistics.
What records do we need to keep?
Like any donation receipts these records should be stored on file at your organization for a minimum of 3 years.
Do we need to report these as donations to OFB?
Yes you will need to report the number of boxes you receive on your monthly service report. We will provide more guidance on this in the near future.
What can we do with undistributed leftovers?
These products can be redistributed within the Oregon Food Bank Network if proper food safety controls are maintained. Please see the standard operating procedure for product redistribution.Page Options