As part of the Oregon Food Bank Network, we are all part of the larger national network of Food Banks, which is organized by Feeding America National Organization (Feeding America or FANO). Feeding America has recently updated its contract with Oregon Food Bank, which requires every contract and agreement in the Oregon Food Bank network to be updated. 

Food banking is governed by various regulations and following the Agreement helps all partners stay in compliance with the various food safety and client service standards we are all bound to. 

We also believe this is an important opportunity to clarify our commitments to each other and reaffirm our shared work to end hunger in our communities! 

Read on to learn more about the new contract and what it means for your agency. (Please note: School Pantries will sign a specific version of this contract that will include additional expectations for the Partner Agency and School District operating a OFB Funded School Pantry. Be on the lookout for follow up information from Ally Meyer). 

Why A New Contract?

Did you know the last major update to the Partner Agency Agreement was in 2017? The new PA Agreement includes needed clarifications as well as updated expectations and requirements for our partnership. Some changes are minor revisions, but other changes may have a greater impact on an agency’s operations. 

Above all, the updated PA Agreement seeks to uphold these core values: 

• Centering the dignity and agency of people experiencing hunger

• Expanding and increasing equitable access to food

• Upholding food safety

• Working together as a coordinated network

• Committing ourselves to equity and inclusion in all we do. 

What’s In It?

Click here to read the full draft of the agreement. (Also attached to this email.) Minor changes include updates to language around donated food, sub distribution, volunteer access, and reporting. The bigger changes include:

• Clarification that all clients should be able to choose the foods that meet their needs. This could be accomplished through a menu, online ordering, or a shopping style pantry set up. (Phased in by July 2025) 

• Minimum open hours of two times per month

• All partners that provide groceries for at home consumption (category 1A and 2C pantries) will be required to use an OFB-provided client intake software by June 30, 2028. (This software is currently Link2Feed, but will soon transition to Service Insights on MealConnect). 

• Agencies will no longer be able to restrict service based on geographic boundaries. These will be phased out by July 2025.

• All agencies will be required to complete at least one hour of equity training and attend at least one PA Network meeting or gathering annually.

• Agencies will no longer be able to use donated non-food items (like toilet paper, hand soap, etc) in their agency operations and will no longer be able to use donated beverages for consumption by volunteers, unless they are donated specifically for that purpose. 

What This Means For Your Agency:

All OFB partner agencies who wish to remain part of the OFB Network will be required to sign this new contract by December 31st, 2024. Your Strategist will work with your site to implement these changes in a way that supports and empowers your ability to serve our neighbors. Agreements will be sent out for electronic signatures in November - the annotated version shared here is not for signing at this time. 

Join Us to Ask Questions and Learn More:

We are hosting five info sessions over the next several weeks to give everyone the opportunity to learn more about the agreement, ask questions and share your thoughts. All sessions (other than the School Pantry option) are open to any program, they are not restricted by county/location. Please fill out this form to RSVP to a session. 

• October 1st: 2:00-4:00 pm - OFB 33rd Drive (7900 NE 33rd Drive, Portland)

• October 10th: 10:00-12:00 pm - OFB West (1870 NW 173rd Ave, Beaverton)

• October 15th: 10:00-11:00 am School Pantries - Zoom (conferencing link will be emailed)

• October 24th: 10:00-12:00 pm - Clackamas Community College, Oregon City Campus (room details will be emailed)

• October 30th: 1:30-3:30 pm - Zoom (conferencing link will be emailed)

We understand that these changes will bring up questions, challenge the way we currently operate and bring renewed excitement to our work. Our team is looking forward to working with you to implement these changes in thoughtful ways over the next months. We look forward to seeing you soon!