Member Benefits

Benefits of Membership in The Association of Arizona Food Banks

Membership in AAFB provides a forum for constructive discussion on food banking issues. A place where food banks learn together and from each other, building relationships with other Arizona food banks, problem solving, and other identified issues among member food banks.
Membership in AAFB allows our members to give direct input to the formation and then to benefit from the collective accomplishments of such projects as the Arizona Statewide Gleaning Project or past projects such as CHECK OUT HUNGER or the Freedom From Hunger Food Drive. While these projects are shared with non-members as well, it is the membership that directs their development and continuation.
Membership in AAFB lends credibility to food bank operations and presents a united voice to the Arizona community about food banking issues and hunger as a societal problem. This extends to relationships with the food industry and related industry representatives, as we seek food and other resources to feed hungry people. Membership gives access to the AAFB Food Industry Advisory Committee that meets quarterly and acts as a strong resource for our member food banks.
Membership in AAFB provides access to operational expertise that comes from the collective experience of our membership and the added dimension of information through the America's Second Harvest Network. This operational expertise also provides a strong base for a consistent body of knowledge about how food banks work so they can serve their communities effectively. When there is a personnel turnover at the individual food bank lever, AAFB is often sought out for technical knowledge that for one reason or another has not been retained at the local level. AAFB in cooperation with our member food banks has been instrumental in providing guidance to the development of five food banks in our state and the restructuring of one food bank. Development of computer support services through AAFB enables smaller member food banks to operate with current computer technology to remain accountable to donors and the community they serve.
Membership in AAFB builds relationships for the staff between our member food banks that ultimately increases operational effectiveness and efficiency. Development of trust between member food banks adds to smooth operations in serving hungry people. Gleaning Operations Committee meetings for instance, provide monthly workshops on Food Banking Best Practices that benefit all food banks.
Membership in AAFB gives a voice at the table when planning is done regarding food banking issues. As the impact of welfare reform continues to unfold, the AAFB is sought out by government and non-governmental groups to speak on behalf of our members. In order to do that, regular input is gathered and presented to give collective opinions about issues that are being considered.
Membership in AAFB offers food banks a coordination point when natural disasters strike, if and when they occur, to be sure that coordination and collaboration occur during these stressful times and that needed resources arrive when and where they are needed.
AAFB has adopted a Statement of Values and Membership Code of Conduct that is endorsed by each member food bank. In addition, we ascribe to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charitable Accountability. This gives an additional level of accountability to AAFB member food banks and states publicly the values and conduct to which our member food banks ascribe.
As food resources become available from time to time, whether it is government commodities or local grocery products our member food banks share with each other to see that hunger needs are met throughout the state.
In times of natural or man-made disasters, AAFB serves as a central point of contact for coordination of resources needed to assist those in need and a single point of contact for information tot he public, thereby relieving stress on member food banks.
AAFB maintains information on current legislative issues at the state and national level that impacts food banks and the hungry people food banks serve. During the Arizona Legislative Session, regular updates on important legislation are shared with member food banks for their information and action.

Things that AAFB does not do for our member food banks:

Control their operations.
Control or limit their fundraising efforts.
Dictate how things are to be done. In cooperative programs, all members who participate are part of the planning to carry out an activity or event and are part of the decision making process clear down to how funds and/or food are distributed among member food banks.
Limit or define service area.
Use their name or reputation to raise money for our operations.
Inspect, monitor, license or oversee food bank operations.

Things AAFB ask member food banks to provide:

Annual organizational member support fees determined annually by Board of Directors, or an amount of in-kind support that would support AAFB's annual budget.
One member to serve on our Board of Directors, who meet quarterly, and be asked to make an annual financial contribution, of any amount, and to serve on a Board Committee of their choosing.
To subscribe to the AAFB Membership Code of Conduct, BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability and the National Society of Fund Raising Executives Code of Ethics.
Annually, provide the following general documentation to AAFB so that our file on your organization remains current:
1. Most recent report to the Arizona Corporation Commission
2. Most recent financial audit.
3. Most recent Form 990
4. Most recent Annual Report
5. Most recent Strategic Plan
6. Current IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
7. Current Certificate(s) of Insurance
8. Current Board of Directors List
9. Current Organizational Chart
10. Current Year Budget
11. Current / Amended By-laws
12. Current / Amended Articles of Incorporation
13. Other inspection reports

To work with our member food banks in a spirit of cooperation and coordination.
Monthly, provide written report of food distribution data which includes, but is not limited to, total pounds distributed/collected, number of agencies served and number of food boxes distributed.

To learn more about Association of Arizona Food Banks programs and how we can help you, please contact us today.