Last updated on February 7, 2025

Partner purchase program

Helping partner agencies leverage The Food Bank’s purchasing power for variety and cost savings.

About the program

The Food Bank is piloting the Partner Purchase Program (PPP) to help our network access additional food at low cost. The Food Bank helps supplement food inventories for more than 145 partner agencies and nearly 200 school partners, but many purchase additional food to fill the gaps. The new program can help partners leverage The Food Bank’s purchasing power to access food at costs below consumer pricing.

Partners are not required to participate. Whether partners choose to participate or not, the food agencies receive at no cost will not be affected.

partner purchase program agreement

Learn more & order

Want to learn more and find out how PPP can support your organization's mission? Review the educational materials below:

introductory webinar PPP Order form ↗current menu

program faq

Why is The Food Bank launching PPP?

The goal of the Partner Purchase Program (PPP) is to increase variety and convenience for our network by offering partners the ability to purchase food at low cost directly through The Food Bank. Many partners have emphasized to our organization that they would like our support in sourcing varied items at lower prices. This program is an effort to help meet that need.

Does my agency have to participate?

No! This is an ancillary program and you are not required to participate. If your agency is in good standing, you can choose to participate at any point – but it is not an expectation or requirement. As a reminder, whether you choose to participate or not, the food you receive at no cost will not be affected.

Will my regular pickup/order change?

No. The PPP will not affect the amount of food or the types of food that partners already receive at no cost.

The Food Bank continues to provide donated, purchased, retail-enabled and USDA food and non-food items at no cost to partner agencies. Distributions are determined by regional and national data from government organizations and Feeding America as well as local data collected by The Food Bank and partners.

Why is PPP a pilot program?

The Food Bank team is piloting PPP so we can test and refine our processes. Please be aware that the program may evolve as we learn more about how we can best serve our partners and maintain the program into the future.

Is PPP a good fit for my agency?

PPP has been designed so ordering will work for agencies of different sizes and different distribution models. Agencies who choose to purchase items can order products by the case, although a case minimum will be outlined for each product on the order form. Agencies can choose to purchase one item or several from the menu, depending on their needs.

What items are available?

PPP items have been purchased by The Food Bank on the open market and are provided at cost to partner agencies. Our team will prioritize purchasing staples that are regularly stocked and used by the pantries and meal sites we serve. Review our sample menu to the right for examples of the types of food The Food Bank may acquire.

Are PPP items short-dated?

No. All products available for purchase will be at least six months out from their “best by” date unless otherwise indicated on the ordering form. Depending on how the item has been acquired, some will be 1-2 years from their “best by” date.

How is pricing set?

Food prices for items available through PPP include the wholesale cost of the item as well as a handling fee that represents the partner’s share of the cost of transportation, storage and distribution. In short, it covers The Food Bank’s cost to get the item in the door and to the floor of the partner agency.

Why do prices change each month?

Due to market fluctuations, prices for specific items may (and likely will) vary from month to month. Since PPP offers food at cost to partners, you’ll be more likely to see the same pricing fluctuations that The Food Bank sees as we acquire food.

Do I need to pay for PPP delivery?

No! As long as the truck making the delivery to your organization can hold both your regular distribution from The Food Bank and your PPP order, there will be no charge. If the truck designated to make the delivery cannot hold both, our Operations team will reach out to determine a solution.

When is payment due?

Every time you place an order, your agency will receive an invoice when the items are delivered. It will detail the items and/or services received through The Food Bank. In the following month, the Partner Agency will receive an electronic copy of any open invoices from the preceding month(s) via email. Payment is due 30 days following the receipt of the monthly statement.

For additional details, review the PPP agreement.

What if I'm late with my payment?

If your agency does not make appropriate payment after you are issued your monthly statement:

Within 30 days: The agency will receive notice that payment is overdue. Access to foods and services will remain unaffected.
Within 60 days: The agency will only be able to access products and services that are available to all partners at no cost.
Within 90 days: The agency will no longer have access to any of The Food Bank’s resources until the payment obligations are met in full.

If there are extenuating circumstances, the organization may file a request to the Chief Programs Officer for a payment extension and/or continued access to resources. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer of The Food Bank will determine if the request is granted. For additional details, review the PPP agreement.

Eligibility

Any partner agency in good standing is eligible to participate in the program. To be considered “in good standing,” your agency must be current with reporting, adhere to the guidelines of the PPP Agreement and pay for purchased product within the timeline established in this agreement.

As a reminder, you must have a finalized agreement on file with The Food Bank before your order will be accepted.

how the program works

The Food Bank purchases PPP items on the open market and then provides those items at cost to partner agencies. If the partner agency chooses to place an order, they pay The Food Bank's cost.

PPP orders are delivered alongside an agency's regular pickup or delivery, so partners can enjoy a simple ordering and delivery experience as well as cost savings.

your steps to participate

Complete and submit the order form at least 10 business days before your regular, no-cost pickup or shipment from The Food Bank.
Your order will be delivered alongside your regular pickup or shipment. A staff member or lead volunteer will be required to sign a copy of the invoice as confirmation that the product was received.
You’ll receive an invoice on the first day of the month after order delivery. Payment is due 30 days after.
Make your payment with a check or money order to The Food Bank.
If you are in good standing, you can participate in the Partner Purchase Program any month you wish. Order as often as you like.

Sample order

Below is an example of an order a partner agency might choose as well as the cost savings they would realize if they purchase through PPP rather than at their typical retail location.

Note: This example is based on availability for March 2025. PPP items/prices are subject to change regularly.

Help us improve the partner purchase program

The Partner Purchase Program is a pilot, and The Food Bank appreciates any ideas or recommendations that can help us improve this effort. Please share your feedback below, or feel free to reach out to your Community Engagement Specialist.