OUR PROGRAMS

While the food bank offers many food assistance-related program, its primary function is to resource, manage, store and allocate food to partner agencies throughout the county who directly serve residents in need.  Imperial Valley Food Bank operates the following programs to achieve the goals stated in our mission.

Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)

IVFB serves as the sole agency in Imperial County designated by program administrators at California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to receive, warehouse and distribute EFAP food (also known as “USDA Commodities”).  Over forty of IVFB’s member agencies serve as EFAP distribution sites, receiving food from IVFB and distributing it to qualified residents in accordance with CDSS regulations.  Because agencies are located throughout Imperial County, no person in need must travel far to receive free food.

Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)

The EFSP program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and administered locally by the United Way of Imperial County.   IVFB serves as the designated agent responsible for resourcing and storing bulk food supplies, then allocating and distributing them to carefully selected agencies who distribute the food pantry-style to those in need.

Feeding America/Shared Maintenance Program

IVFB’s position as a Partner Distribution Organization of Feeding America enables it to receive food from a large network of national donors.  IVFB receives this food and charges a small per-pound handling fee to its non-profit agencies for distribution to the food assistance recipients. 

Imperial Valley Cares Food Box Program

Food Boxes are available once a month to all residents of Imperial County.  There are no required income qualifications to participate.  The cost is $25, and the boxes contain at least $40 worth of food.

Treasure Box Program

Similar to the Imperial Valley Cares Food Boxes, Treasure Boxes are available to help any resident of Imperial County stretch their grocery dollar.  The cost is $35, and the boxes contain $70-$100 worth of frozen foods, most of which are protein-packed items that are generally expensive at the grocery store.

Perishable Donation Partnership (PDP) and Fresh Rescue Programs

Some of the nation’s largest grocery chains have come together to ease hunger – and greatly reduce waste - in their local communities through the PDP/Fresh Rescue Program.  Food products that are completely safe and healthy to eat, but for a variety reasons may no longer be suitable for retail sale, are donated to the food bank and provided to agencies for distribution or meal preparation.

Fresh Produce Program

As with the PDP program, local produce growing and packing operations donate fresh and nutritious produce that is completely safe and healthy to eat, but cannot be sold at wholesale.  IVFB is a partner in California Association of Food Banks' "Farm to Family" program.  Click here to learn more.

Backpack Program

An ordinary backpack is provided to the neediest school children at the schools with the most at-risk children.  Each Friday they take them home filled with nutritious food so they will have something to eat over the weekend.  The backpacks are returned each Monday, and refilled again at the end of the week.

Food Stamp Outreach Program

Across California, only about half of those eligible for food stamps actually apply and receive the benefits for which they qualify.  Through this program, our staff assists individuals in overcoming the many barriers they face, such as misconceptions concerning eligibility, lack of clear communication, fear of imaging requirements, inconvenient food stamp office hours and fear regarding immigration status.

Nutrition Outreach Program

IVFB has become an important arm of an ongoing “Nutrition Revolution.”  Through programs directed at elementary school children, our staff helps to teach and emphasize the importance of proper nutrition to our youngest neighbors.  Other activities include games to teach food safety, and fresh fruit and vegetable tastings to introduce new items into a child’s diet.  Cooking demos are presented at senior centers to help to address diet concerns specific to seniors in a fun and informative format.