Food Share & Farm
Partner Criteria

How do we select partners?

We work and interact with lots of different organizations in Whatcom County but all our partners are selected by this criteria and then assigned to a Tier location.

Partners are selected based on the following criteria:

1. Spiritually Aligned or Neutral – These organizations do not hold a system of belief counter to ours.

2. Cultural fit – Is able to fit within our systems and culture.

3. Viability – Shows signs of long term Stability and organizational health.

4. Mutuality – Willing to work together to accomplish both organizations goals.

5. Capacity – Based on CTK’s organizational capacity with food and volunteer time.

Tiers are assigned based on the following criteria:

1. Unique population served / not redundant

2. # of people served

3. Other options the partner has to get food

4. Client Accessibility of other food

5. Ease of Partnership

6. Innovative or unique model of distribution

Fresh Produce Tiers

Tier 1 - Full Season

• Will be served our full season

• First to come on, Last to get deliveries

Tier 2 - Mid Season

• Served most of the season

• Second to come on board during season

Tier 3 - High Season

• Only served during high season (estimated to be Aug-Sept)

Tier 4 - Surplus

• Will be contacted when we have large amounts of a few items that need to move 

Tier 5 - One off

• Partnered for a 1 or 2 times a year project

• These partnerships are given based on availability

Non-Perishables Tier

Tier 1- Item of the Month Receiver

• These will vary by year depending on selection each January.

Tier 2- Misc. Item Receiver

• These partners will mostly be supported by shopping our miscellaneous donated items. 

Tier 3 - Surplus Priority

• Partners will be second in line for Item of the Month products 

Tier 3 - Surplus Bumper

• These partners will receive products only when we have lots of extras or when we do large “Fill the Van” food drives.