What Is a “Partner Agency”?

We know that ending hunger requires collaboration.

That’s why Community Food Share not only provides food directly to families, seniors, students, and others, we’re also a hub — donating millions of pounds of food a year to more than 40 partners. Officially known as “Partner Agencies,” they are non-profits in Boulder and Broomfield Counties that operate their own food pantries and meal or snack programs. Most Partner Agencies provide food to their clients as a supplement to their core services like education, housing support, healthcare, and youth programming. These organizations vary in size — some pick up a carload of food each week while others receive deliveries by the truckload. They all commit to handle our food safely and provide it for free to community members.

Community Food Share also expands Partner Agencies’ capacity to distribute food by providing funding to purchase items like refrigerators, freezers, racking, pallet jacks, and kitchen equipment. Additionally, we connect our partners through the Food Insecurity Network, fostering further collaboration, training, information sharing, and the formation of mutual strategic goals.

Ninety percent of the 200 food banks in the Feeding America network charge “shared maintenance” fees to their Partner Agencies. It’s a handling fee that is often charged on a per-pound or per-item basis and helps cover the costs associated with obtaining, transporting, and storing donated food. Community Food Share is among the 10% of food banks that do not charge this fee — a feat made possible by the generosity of donors like you!

Meet Our Partner Agencies!