Become a Central Illinois Foodbank Agency

Central Illinois Foodbank distributes food and grocery items to over 150 non-profit feeding programs in twenty-one central Illinois counties, who in turn provide food to those who are seeking food assistance in our communities.  Central Illinois Foodbank’s agencies are given access to an ever-expanding inventory of quality foods.

Requirements

In order to begin the application process, prospective partner agencies must fulfill the following key requirements:  Organization must maintain 501(c) 3 status as determined by the IRS, or meet the 14 point criteria of a church (which must be demonstrated):

1. A distinct legal existence 
2. A recognized creed and form of worship 
3. A definite and distinct ecclesiastical government 
4. A formal code of doctrine and discipline 
5. A distinct religious history 
6. A membership not associated with any (other) church or denomination 
7. A complete organization of ordained ministers ministering to their congregations 
8. Ordained ministers elected after completing prescribed courses of study 
9. A literature of its own 
10. Established place of worship 
11. Regular congregations 
12. Regular religious services 
13. Sunday schools for religious instruction for the young 
14. Schools for the preparation of its ministries

Feeding Programs

Secondly, you must operate a feeding program that serves the needy, ill, infants/children or elderly through a pantry or meal program without regard to race, color, citizenship, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran. 

There are two main types of feeding programs: soup kitchens and food pantries; however, there are many different onsite feeding programs, food pantries and children programs.  If you are interested in your feeding program becoming a partner agency of Central Illinois Foodbank, the first step is to submit a letter of interest.  This letter should include the following: 

1. Description of the type of program you operate or are interest in operating (i.e. pantry, on-site feeding, kids program).
2. Proposed start date of your program or, if your program already exists, give the date the program started, days and hours of operation, and the average number of people served each month.
3. Geographical boundaries (identify the area you serve or intend to serve).
4. Please provide a copy of your organization’s 501(c)3, which confirms that your organization has a non-profit status as determined by the IRS, or demonstration on how you meet the 14 point criteria of a church.

Once this is received, your agency will be invited to attend an Agency Orientation after which you may request the Partner Agency Application and apply to become a Partner Agency of Central Illinois Foodbank. Please print and read through the Partner Agency Manual Fiscal Year 2017 to learn more about the regulations and best practices involved with running a feeding program and becoming a partner of Central Illinois Foodbank.  

Please note, partner agencies operating more than one feeding program must receive separate approval for each program.

Current Partners

For a list of current partner agencies, visit our Food Locator.

If you have any questions, please contact: Virginia Ferguson at 217-522-4022 or Kristy Gilmore at 217-522-4022.