1. Eligibility

Support is open to individuals and families experiencing:

• Food insecurity

• Financial hardship

• Housing instability

• Disability or mobility limitations

• Crisis events (illness, disaster, job loss)

• Lack of access to healthy foods

No one will be denied service based on race, gender, income, religious beliefs, immigration status, or identity.

2. Distribution Standards

A. Fair Access

• Items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved for emergency cases.

• Limits may be placed on certain high-demand items to ensure equitable access.

• Households may receive support based on program guidelines and availability.
   

B. Dignified Service
Volunteers and staff must:

• Treat all participants with respect

• Maintain confidentiality about personal or family circumstances

• Provide support without judgment or discrimination
   

Allow individuals to select items when possible (“choice pantry” model)

C. Safety & Quality

• Expired, damaged, or unsafe items are not distributed.

• Cold-chain items must be stored properly.

• Volunteers handling food must follow sanitation guidelines.

3. Behavior Expectations

• Participants and volunteers are expected to:

• Treat staff and each other respectfully

• Follow distribution procedures

• Avoid verbal or physical conflict

• Avoid taking more than the established limits

• Keep aisles and waiting areas accessible

• Anyone who disrupts safety may be asked to leave.

4. Documentation

Participants may be asked to provide:

• Name

• Number of household members

• Contact information (optional)

No Social Security numbers, proof of income, or immigration documents will ever be requested, unless required by law.

5. Emergency Prioritization

Households may receive priority if experiencing:

• Homelessness

• Medical crisis

• Domestic violence

• Disaster displacement

• Elder vulnerability

6. Volunteers & Staff

All volunteers must adhere to:

• Non-Discrimination Policy

• Code of Conduct

• Client Confidentiality Policy

• Equity & Inclusion Standards

7. Partnerships

Fertile Ground works with local agencies, farms, nonprofits, and food suppliers to maintain resource availability. All partners must align with our values of dignity, accessibility, and equity.

8. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed