The Food Bank is a member of the national network of Food Banks called Second Harvest that accepts large food donations from processors, distributors, farmers and retail corporations. Most of these donors are from outside our service area and usually donate by the tractor-trailer load. Because producers, processors and wholesalers are generally not found in this rural area. Food Bank of the Albemarle survives largely through its affiliation with Second Harvest.

Meats and salvage product is obtained from local stores and restaurants. It is inspected for damage, infestation, etc., cleaned and re-boxed according to food type. It is then placed on the warehouse floor for agency shoppers. Similarly, we receive produce donations from generous local farmers, repackage the product into "family size" containers, and make it available for agency shoppers.

The agencies that pick up this food from our warehouse distribute it to individuals in their local areas. These agencies include emergency food pantry programs, shelters, homes for children and the elderly, non-profit day care centers, and a prescription program. They currently number 114, with 7 applications pending.