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Imperial Valley Food Bank

Overview

The Imperial Valley Food Bank (IVFB) is an independent, nonprofit charitable corporation created and operated for and by residents of the Imperial Valley. The IVFB is funded through the generosity of community groups, businesses, individuals, and program reimbursements. The IVFB has been serving the communities of Imperial County since 1991.

History

IVFB came into existence through a college class assignment. Students had been assigned the project of surveying food needs in Imperial County. Such large numbers of hungry people were identified that the professor and other interested people felt compelled to create a food bank to help feed them. Their dream of helping to feed the hungry has progressed from its beginnings in a garage to today's organization with three employees and two large warehouses. Volunteers continue to be a mainstay of the IVFB and help to maintain its viability.

Operations

The IVFB serves as a collection center for food, which is made available to other nonprofit agencies for distribution to help feed hungry people throughout the county. It is staffed by one part-time and two full-time employees, plus a cadre of faithful volunteers.

Materials Accepted

Donations of nonperishable food are most important, but they are also able to accept fresh or frozen food thanks to new storage capabilities.

Source of Materials

USDA Commodities, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Second Harvest/Shared Maintenance Program, Donate Don't Dump Program, Low Income Families' Food Boxes Program, Brown Bags for Seniors Program, and donations from local sources. Cash donations are used to purchase food.

Collection Service

The IVFB serves as a collection site for other nonprofit agencies that come to the IVFB to collect and distribute the food to the needy.

Geographic Service Area

The IVFB serves all of Imperial County, California.

Drop-Off Hours

June–September:
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., except holidays.

October–May:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., except holidays.

Days/Hours of Operation

Same as drop-off hours.

Contact Information

Betty J. Cloud, Operations Manager
Lucia Sanchez, Office Manager
329 Applestill Road
Post Office Box 4406
El Centro, California 92244
County: Imperial
Phone: (760) 370-0966
Fax: (760) 370-5789
Email: ivfoodbank@icoe.k12.ca.us
Website: www.charityadvantage.com/imperialvalleyfoodbank/Home.asp

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