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Frequently Asked Questions
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Food 4 Kids
1. What types of sites are eligible to participate in the F4K program?
The Food 4 Kids program is available to elementary school or pre-K centers that act as the primary daily care for children up to 6th grade. While most of our sites are public elementary schools, other types of sites may be eligible as well. Please contact the North Texas Food Bank to determine your eligibility.
2. How do I sign my site up for the program?
Please contact the Child Programs Department at the NTFB to obtain a Program Application and Agreement. These two forms should be completed and faxed back to the NTFB. Once the forms are received, a member of the Child Programs Department will call you to schedule a training session.
3. Are there eligibility requirements for a child to receive the backpack?
There are no eligibility requirements for a child to participate in the program. The program is meant to serve chronically hungry children who are not being fed over the weekends. Children become involved in the program through a referral process. Just because a child is on free and reduced price lunch does not necessarily mean he/she should qualify for the program.
4. What is a Site Coordinator?
The Site Coordinator facilitates the F4K program at a particular site, and acts as the primary contact person for the NTFB and Child Programs Department.
5. What is a F4K Toolkit?
The F4K Toolkit is the training binder that each Site Coordinator receives upon attending training. The Toolkit contains all the necessary resources and instructions needed in order to facilitate the program.
6. How do I receive food for the program?
You place food orders online using your assigned log-in information. Once submitted, your order is sent to the NTFB to be ready at the designated time of pick-up.
7. How often should I place an order?
You can choose how often you order food online. Most sites order every two weeks. However, you cannot place more than one order a week, and should order at least once each month once you start distributing.
8. What if I am having trouble logging on to order food or submit reports?
If you have forgotten your password, or are having trouble logging on, please contact a member of the Child Programs Department for assistance.
9. What should I do if I forgot to place an order but need food?
If you need food, but forgot to place your order online, DO NOT come to the food bank to pick up food. The NTFB will not provide food to any site not having first placed an order. Please call a Child Programs staff member for instructions on how to proceed.
10. When and where do I pick up my order?
You will need to pick up your order from the NTFB warehouse located at 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Rd., Dallas, TX. You will need to enter through the front of the building into the Agency Waiting room.
11. What do I need to bring with me to pick up my order?
The only thing you need to bring with you to pick up your order is your green Agency Card. This card is required for you to pick up food. Once at the warehouse, you’ll be given an invoice with your order, which you will need to obtain for your records.
12. Will there be someone at the NTFB to help me load my order into my car?
While our warehouse employees are often willing to help wherever they can, we cannot guarantee that an employee will be available to help you at pick-up. If you are not able to load your own vehicle, please bring someone with you for assistance.
13. Is there an option to have our orders delivered to our site?
Currently, we offer very limited delivery. We do encourage and allow you to coordinate group pick-ups with other schools in your district if that is more convenient for you.
14. Where do I store the food once I get it back to my site?
All food must be stored at least 6 inches off the ground and in an area where others do not have access. This can either be a closet, room, or cabinet.
15. What should I do if I find expired or damaged food in my order?
If you find expired or damaged food, please throw it away. Also make a note of this loss in your monthly report. If you receive a LARGE quantity of expired or damaged food, or are experiencing this problem consistently, please contact the Child Programs Department. Make sure to follow the FIFO (first in, first out) rule to ensure that inventory is being properly distributed to avoid items becoming expired.
16. When do I distribute the food to the students?
Please distribute the food to your students every Friday or the last day children attend on any given week. Also, it is best to pass out the food at the end of the day so the child does not open the bag or eat the food while in school.
17. Am I required to use the backpacks provided by the NTFB?
You are not required to use the backpacks provided by the NTFB, but you must place the sack of food in some type of bag so that it is not visible to others. You can use the child’s own backpack if you wish, or some other type of bag or tote.
18. Do I have to obtain parent permission before I distribute food to a student?
The NTFB does not require that you obtain parent permission. However, if you do choose to require parent permission, please send the permission slip home either before you begin distributing, or upon the first week of distribution.
19. What reports do I have to submit to the NTFB?
The only report your site needs to submit to the NTFB is your F4K Monthly Report. This report is submitted online and is due by the 5th of each month for the previous month.
20. Will my site be monitored?
Yes, but not each year. All Capacity Building Reviews will be scheduled in advance, and follow-up letters will be sent outlining any necessary action that needs to be taken.