The chart linked below, lays out how the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) works with Food Banks to implement The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which is a bit different from how Florida Food Banks operate on a daily basis.
FDACS CERTIFIED DISTRIBUTION AGENCIES
FDACS works with the nine Certified Distribution Agencies (CDAs) linked below, to distribute USDA foods.
This is of course not a comprehensive list as it only includes agencies contracted with FDACS, but it does include many of Florida’s largest food banks.
These food banks receive USDA food, as well as other donations from non-government entities, that are then distributed to the public or provided to Sub-Distribution Agencies (SDA) and/or Local Distribution Agencies (LDAs) for distribution to recipients. Each of the nine food banks listed above have lists of their SDAs and LDAs on their websites.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR FOOD DONATION
STARTING A FOOD DONATION PROGRAM
Thinking of implementing a food donation program at your school?
Below are five simple steps to begin building your school's food donation program today!
STEP 1: Review Important Information
STEP 2: Contact Your Food Service Director
Discuss your plans for developing a food waste diversion program together. Bring copies of the USDA memo as well as a copy of the Why Reduce Food Waste in Schools?
STEP 3: Health Department
Reach out to your local health department for additional guidelines on how to donate food to a non-profit organization.
STEP 4: Meet
Arrange a meeting between the school and a local non-profit food pantry to discuss important logistics, such as scheduling regular pickups that are convenient for your school cafeteria's staff.
The school district and/or health department may also want you to have an agreement with the non-profit you wish to work with.
Examples Agreements are available upon request from FDACS.
Email Melanie.Mason@FreshFromFlorida.com
STEP 5: School District
Bring your plan to the school district for approval. The school district can then make food donations from your school (or all schools) an official district policy.
