WHAT IS THE FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY FOR FARMERS TO FAMILIES?

Churches and faith-based nonprofits are uniquely positioned to reach people in the “Last Mile of Need” because they are in close relationship with their neighbors and most aware of the needs and specific circumstances in their community. They have the capacity to serve vulnerable seniors, shut-ins, at-risk children, food-insecure families, and the homeless. The Faith-Based Community for Farmers to Families includes many organizations such as CityServe, World Vision, Citygate Network (Gospel Rescue Missions), Teen Challenge, The Dream Centers, 180 Disaster Relief, Operation Border Blessing and a host of churches across the nation.

HOW ARE THE FOOD BOXES DISTRIBUTED TO CHURCHES AND FAITH-BASED NONPROFITS?

• A HUB is a church or organization with the capacity and space to be a distribution center of food boxes to local churches, also known as PODs (point of distribution), in its geographical region. HUBs receive Farmers to Families truckloads from USDA-approved suppliers. HUBs can directly serve the “Last Mile of Need” or distribute to PODs.
• A POD is a local church or nonprofit that receives food boxes from its assigned HUB and meet the needs of its neighborhood with compassionate giving and relationship building.
• In many instances, we’re developing franchised affiliates across different geographical regions that operate in conjunction with the HUB & POD distribution model.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HUB?

• Forklift and pallet jack for unloading
• Ability to maintain cold chain through delivery with either one of the following options:
  • Cold blankets or plastics used to cover food boxes from 0-2 hours of leaving HUB
  • Freezer blankets used to cover food boxes in enclosed vehicle or trailer from 2-4 hours of leaving HUB
  • Refrigeration space – on-site refrigerated 53-foot semi-truck (aka, reefers) or large walk-in cooler when unloading/distribution is NOT the same day as acceptance.
  • If utilizing reefers, need the ability to maintain and refuel reefers. Each reefer typically needs to be refueled every 3-4 days with approximately 40-50 gallons. Local fuel companies can be hired to refuel for approximately $2-3/gallon.
• Ability to certify “means testing” by asking or displaying signage that individuals receiving a food box are deemed needy or food insecure

2. Committed Staff and/or Volunteer Base
Tasks include:

• Unload truck deliveries with fork-lift into cold storage space or to POD pickup transportation vehicles.
• Coordinate pickup and/or delivery times with PODs.
• Manage ongoing communication and coordination of POD churches to ensure the successful distribution of F2F food boxes.
• Train PODs and provide oversight on the proper distribution model.
• Enforce safety policies and USDA “means testing” requirements throughout all HUB partners and POD volunteer activities (e.g. physical distancing, utilizing masks at all times, hand washing and sanitizing practices, etc.)

HOW CAN I SHARE STORIES OF IMPACT?

We know there are positive stories of impact at every level of the food box program. Whether it be about farmers, suppliers, families served or anything in between, we want to know so we can share your stories on our CityServe platforms. Go to Share Stories and tell us how God is working. You can also post photo and stories to the socials, @cityservehq #farmerstofamilies

WHAT TYPES OF FOOD ARE IN THE FOOD BOXES?

HOW LONG WILL THE USDA FARMERS TO FAMILIES FOOD BOX PROGRAM LAST?

HOW DO I START?

We believe God’s answer to a broken world is His church. We are grateful you have decided to join us in being the hands and feet of Jesus in the “Last Mile of Need.” To sign up as a CityServe HUB, apply today and a CityServe team member will contact you shortly.