Thank you for your interest in becoming a participating partner of the Vermont Foodbank Network. We have recently made important updates to the minimum requirements for new Network Partners. These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to aligning with our organizational mission, evolving best practices in food banking, and ensuring we grow in ways that are sustainable, equitable, and centered on neighbor needs and voices. These updated requirements apply only to new applicants at this time. Any future changes for existing Network Partners will be explored and introduced thoughtfully with our Network.

We receive many requests for network partnership. To streamline the process, we now use a Network Partner Combined Application, which includes both the eligibility screening and full application in a single form. Only organizations that meet all minimum eligibility requirements will be able to proceed to the full application. Please review the criteria below before applying.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but are reviewed twice per year. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee partnership. Vermont Foodbank evaluates potential partners based on community need, alignment with our mission and values, and on capacity of both the Foodbank and our statewide Network. Final approval is at the sole discretion of the Vermont Foodbank.

As we continue to strengthen our Network, Vermont Foodbank will prioritize organizations that meet all the partnership requirements and:

• Fill an unmet need within their community or service area
• Offer unique distribution hours, such as evenings or weekends, when other services are less available
• Collaborate with existing programs to enhance services and reduce duplication of efforts
• Operate a client choice model, providing all neighbors with opportunities to make their own dietary and food preference choices.
• Are open to the public and not restricted by defined service area boundaries. Organizations serving clients with safety or privacy concerns—such as women’s shelters or daycare facilities—may be exempt from this consideration.
• Strive to incorporate community feedback into their services, either through regular surveying, qualitative data or a neighbor-centered governance structure (such as a neighbor advisory group).

Network Partners of the Vermont Foodbank have access to distinct benefits that allow for improved service provision to the community for a nominal annual partnership fee, including:

• Access to donated food from a national network, free of charge (as available)
• Fresh produce at no cost through the Foodbank
• Low-cost purchasing through the Foodbank’s COOP buying program
• Delivery is free when possible, based on available funding and site accessibility.
• Participation in value-added programs such as:
  • Fresh Rescue (retail food recovery)
  • 3SquaresVT outreach & support
  • Annual grant funding opportunities
  • Find a Food Shelf map profile with free text messaging and web-builder tools
• Regional meetings and partner gatherings to share best practices, challenges, and innovations with peers across the state
• Ongoing training and support, including webinars, workshops, and technical assistance to strengthen program effectiveness and compliance

In partnership with our statewide network and guided by shared values, we foster dignity, belonging, and resilience—using food as a catalyst for thriving communities. These Guiding Principles serve to direct our priorities and actions, and all applicants must affirm their commitment to them as part of the minimum requirements for partnership:

• Centering Neighbors’ Needs — We commit to honoring the dignity, needs, and voices of our neighbors, offering nourishing food in respectful, inclusive spaces.
• Building Resilience for Lasting Impact — We believe resilient partnerships—grounded in communication and shared values—are key to ending hunger sustainably.
• Committed to Self-Improvement — We hold ourselves and our network accountable to learn, evolve, and improve together in service to our mission.

In addition to these shared values, there are several operational and programmatic requirements for new Network Partners. To help you assess whether your organization meets all minimum requirements for partnership, we encourage you to review our Vermont Foodbank Partnership Eligibility Flowchart. This self-assessment tool outlines the essential eligibility criteria and is the best place to start before beginning your application.

If you answer “No” to any item in the flowchart, your organization may not currently meet the eligibility requirements. However, we encourage you to reach out to our Network Relations Team with questions or to explore other ways we may be able to support your work in addressing hunger in your community.

Please complete the Network Partner Combined Application to begin the process. The application will guide you through eligibility screening and—if you qualify—automatically advance you to the full application. The information you provide will help us determine if we can support your efforts and if your organization aligns with our mission and available resources.

Submissions will be followed by either an invitation to move forward with partnership or a personalized explanation from a member of our Network Relations Team about your organization may not be a fit for partnership at this time.

We are excited to grow our network in thoughtful, collaborative ways. Thank you for your interest in partnering with us to build a stronger, more food secure Vermont.