Agency partnerships

Become an HCFB Agency Partner

Organizations providing regular, ongoing food assistance can apply to join HCFB’s network serving neighbors across Southwest Florida.

Apply to Become a Partner

Partnership at a glance

Applications are open year-round. Prospective partners must operate or serve neighbors in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, or Lee County. Location does not guarantee approval.

161
agency partners
5
counties served
40 million
total pounds distributed organization‑wide in FY2026

Who should apply?

Agency partnerships support organizations providing regular, ongoing food assistance—not one-time events, special dinners, or community fairs.

Be prepared to provide documentation verifying your organization’s nonprofit, public, or other eligible organizational status, as applicable. Exact organization-eligibility requirements are pending Agency Relations confirmation.

How the process works

Submitting an application does not guarantee partnership. Agency Relations will review your materials and guide qualifying organizations through the remaining steps before food distribution begins.

  1. Submit the application

    Complete the editable Word application and attach all required supporting documents.

  2. Application and document review

    The Agency Relations team reviews the application and follows up about next steps.

  3. Site review

    Review and approval may include a review of the proposed distribution site, storage, and food-safety practices.

  4. Orientation or training

    Applicants may be asked to complete orientation or training before approval.

  5. Agreement and final approval

    A signed partnership agreement and final approval may be required before food distribution begins.

What You’ll Need

  • Organization information and applicable qualifying-status documentation
  • Service program and distribution information
  • Information about the population and community served
  • Facility and food-storage capacity
  • Food-safety practices and certification
  • Operating and distribution schedule
  • Required policies, agreements, and responsible contacts
  • All required supporting documents listed in the application.

Agency Partnership Application

Download and complete the editable Word application. Attach every applicable supporting document listed in the application, then email the completed materials to [email protected] using the subject line “Agency Partnership Application — [Organization Name].” Review the message and attachments before sending.

Our Agency Relations team will review your application and follow up about next steps.

Not sure if your organization is ready?

The optional Potential Partner Screening Form can help the Agency Relations team understand your organization and current services. It is not required before applying.

Email the completed screening form to [email protected] using the subject line “Potential Partner Screening — [Organization Name].” Screening or applying does not guarantee approval.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected].

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.