To become a Food Bank of Iowa Partner Agency, you must meet the criteria set forth below. 

• Proof of 501(c)(3) status. The agency must be able to present a letter, on IRS letterhead, which states somewhere in the body of the text that the agency is “…exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code”, and that the agency is not a private foundation.
   
• Or the agency must meet the IRS requirements for classification as a church. Section 508(c) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that “…churches, their integrated auxiliaries and conventions or associations of churches…” are exempt from the law requiring non-profits to apply for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Code. 
   
• Or the agency may have received its IRS classification before section 501(c)(3) was instituted. In this case the number to look for in the IRS determination letter is 101(6). 
   
• Or the agency may be under the umbrella of a parent organization, which holds a 501(c)(3) exemption.
   
• Confirmation that the agency will use the donated product only as related to the agency’s purpose, as stated in its Articles of Incorporation. This purpose must be related to the care of the ill, needy, or infants (minor children).
   
• Confirmation that the agency will use the products only for the care of the ill, needy, or infants (minor children). 
   
• Confirmation that the agency has an on-going food program that has been in operation for a minimum of ninety days.
   
• Confirmation that no one receiving donated product from the agency will be charged a fee for that product including staff, visitors and clients.
   
• A written statement that the agency will meet all IRS requirements and will maintain records of total amounts of donated product received and distributed and the agency will meet all Food Bank of Iowa reporting requirements. 
   
• Confirmation that the agency agrees to adhere to all Feeding America policies regarding the receipt, storage, and distribution of donated product. 
   
• Confirmation that the agency agrees to allow Food Bank of Iowa representatives to conduct on-site monitoring visits to assure compliance with Food Bank of Iowa and Feeding America regulations.