NETWORK BENEFITS

Hunger-relief and social service organizations that join the Tarrant Area Food Bank network have access to a wide variety of food and non-food products. In addition, the network agencies are assured that the food has been handled according to standards set by the Texas Department of Health and by Feeding America, formerly America's Second Harvest--The Nation's Food Bank Network.

Our inventory system tracks product from the time it is received in our warehouse, through inspection, sorting and repacking in quality control and on through distribution to our network. Since we can account for any product donated to us, we have the capability of recalling product if that should ever be necessary.

For up-to-date information on recalls of food products, which Tarrant Area Food Bank may or may NOT have in its inventory, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration site. If any recalled product is in our inventory, we will immediately send a memo alerting our network agencies to insepect their inventory for such items and discard them.

Food and non-food products available include:

• Reclaimed product that has been donated because the packaging may have been damaged; products/labels may have been discontinued; overproduction occurred during manufacturing and processing; or simply the processor has generously provided this product. Additionally, many items are donated by the community during food drives and other promotions on behalf of the Food Bank. Reclaimed product includes canned goods, dry goods, frozen products, and health and beauty supplies.
• Case lots are full cases donated to the Food Bank packaged in original factory case lots. These products are available only in full cases and include frozen meats, frozen entrees, frozen soups and sauces, dry goods, canned goods, beverages, and cleaning, health and beauty supplies.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and dairy products are given to the Food Bank continuously from many sources, and are often first quality, but more than the donor can use. Additionally, many of our fresh fruits and vegetables have been gleaned for us and are shipped directly from the growing areas. Varieties and quantities vary daily.   Fresh breads and dairy products are FREE to our network.
• USDA commodities are distributed by the Food Bank on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. These products are offered under strict guidelines and provide us an additional assortment of grains, canned meats, canned vegetables and dried milk, as well as frozen meats and fresh vegetables. Many member agencies qualify for USDA commodities, and your agency may too.

Additional services offered partner agencies include:

• Free annual conference of workshops on topics suggested by agency partners.
• Collaboration opportunities.
• Assistance with grant applications and USDA qualifying.
• Training for health department certification in food handling
• Guidance and counseling when requested.
• Various nutrition education programs that provide food recipients with information while they wait for services and classes on nutrition, budgeting, food preparation and food safety.
• SNAP/Food Stamp Outreach is available at your site to help your pantry participants fill out food stamp (and Medicaid and TANF) applications, as well as answer any questions about benefits.
• Participation in the Partner Communications Alliance with Tarrant Area Food Bank for joint promotion of Partner Agencies and the Food Bank.