Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

Who is Food For The Poor?
Food For The Poor is one of the largest international relief and development organization in the nation.
— About our Organization

How can I make a donation?
There are several ways to make a donation. You can make a donation using Food For The Poor’s secure website, or mail your check to Food For The Poor at: 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. You can also call customer service at 1-800-427-9104, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST. — Donate Here

Why do we help those in extreme poverty in other countries?
The answer is quite simple. We’re talking about two different realities since those who are pooor in the United States have safety nets that those who are poor in other countries lack.

Why do we use such graphic stories and photos?
These graphic images and stories are a reality for the people we serve, and are used to educate our donors on the grim truth.

Why do donors receive so much mail?
Knowledge is akin to love and by sending mailings we are not only fundraising, but also educating our donors on the various needs and what can be done to help. Also, it’s not an expensive education campaign since some of our mailings cost as little as 8 cents, not including the special nonprofit postage rate.

What if I have a question or concern about my experience with Food For The Poor?
If you ever have anything less than a great experience with Food For The Poor, we’d like to hear from you. It will be our pleasure to answer any questions or resolve any concerns to your satisfaction. Please call us toll-free at 877-765-4673, or you may email us at donorservice@foodforthepoor.com.

How do we determine who receives assistance?
We identify the people and areas in the greatest need and work directly and through our partners to help alleviate the severe needs first.

How can someone receive assistance?
Request Assistance from Food For The Poor
Request Assistance from Food For The Poor — Jamaica

Who are the people who match donations?
Sometimes it’s a single donor. Sometimes it’s an organization. These loyal donors want to encourage others to give so they offer us a “challenge” donation to help double the amount.

Is it possible to send a memorial gift in honor of another individual?
Food For The Poor’s customer service department will assist you in making a memorial gift to honor a departed loved one or to remember a friend or family member. You can contact a Food For The Poor representative by calling 1-800-427-9104.

Is it safe to donate online with my credit card?
Yes. All information provided to Food For The Poor is transmitted using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. SSL is a proven coding system that lets your browser automatically encrypt, or scramble, data before you send it to us. We also protect account information by placing it on a secure portion of our site that is only accessible by certain qualified employees of Food For The Poor. Learn More — Privacy Policy

How can I opt-out of Food For The Poor mailings, phone calls and/or email?
Please send an email to webmaster@foodforthepoor.org with the address, phone number and/or email that you would like to have opted-out.

How does Food For The Poor send Gifts in Kind overseas?
Food For The Poor acquires container-loads of donated goods from nonprofit organizations, corporations and government entities, and then delivers these goods to impoverished areas in the countries we serve. Learn More — About Gifts In Kind

How can I arrange a planned gift?
A planned gift is a charitable gift left to Food For The Poor in your will or reciprocal gifts, returning benefits that can reduce your taxes, increase your retirement income and address your family’s financial needs. Learn More — Legacy & Gift Planning

Do you accept donations of stock?
Food For The Poor does accept donations of securities. We indeed appreciate this type of donation and are prepared to handle it efficiently. Learn More — Stock Donations

Can anyone go on a planned Mission Trip?
Yes! Don’t just travel the world, change it! Join us on a journey you will never forget. By participating, you will see firsthand the desperate conditions of the developing countries we serve in the Caribbean and Latin America. Learn More — Mission Trips

Can I engage my Church, School or Community group in a project?
Yes! Our Church, School and Community Development will work with you to identify projects that will offer your audience an opportunity to come together in a unified effort to help those in extreme poverty. Learn More — Church, School, and Community Development

How do I request a tax receipt? Are donations tax-deductible?
You will receive receipts for your gifts to Food For The Poor via email if gift was made online, or via regular mail if the gift was made offline. Also, during the last week of January and the first week of February you will receive a summary of all donations you made the previous year. Contributions to Food For The Poor are tax-deductible for U.S. citizens. Food For The Poor is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our tax identification number: 59-2174510.

Is Food For The Poor on social networking sites?
Yes. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

What about government controls that prevent goods from leaving port?
We have devoted people and partners who make sure goods aren’t languishing at seaports.

Ways to Give

How can I best support Food For The Poor’s mission?
By simply offering your compassionate generosity toward any of our many projects you are bringing hope to those who pray someone will help ease their suffering.

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)

How can I give on a consistent basis?
Our monthly giving clubs allow you to automatically give on a monthly basis to support the destitute in the countries Food For The Poor serves.

How can I fundraise directly for Food For The Poor?
You can become a Champion For The Poor by setting up your own personal fundraising page. Champions For The Poor get their own web page with their own URL and access to online fundraising tools. E-mail us at champions@foodforthepoor.org to get started!

Do you have a Gift Catalog?
Food For The Poor’s gift catalog offers unique gift ideas for any budget – including baby chicks, water wells, sewing machines, fruit trees and rice and beans. Visit our gift catalog and give a gift that will truly be appreciated. Questions about the gift catalog can be directed to 1-800-427-9104.

Do you offer child sponsorship?
Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, precious children who have been orphaned or abandoned by their families need love and support. Through Food For The Poor’s Angels Of Hope program you can provide both love and support for $34 a month. Please call 1-954-427-2222 ext. 6633 for further information. Food For The Poor does not offer child adoption services.

I am a Federal Employee, do you have a way for me to donate?
Yes. Food For The Poor is an approved charity through the Combined Federal Campaign. We can guide you through the process of making a donation to us through CFC. Learn More — Combined Federal Campaign

I am a State Employee, do you have a way for me to donate?
Yes.State and city employees have the opportunity to participate in their respective employee campaigns. Learn More — State Employee Campaigns

What other ways can I contribute?
Many functions organized by Food For The Poor donors allow them to volunteer, contribute and interact socially as they gather for a common cause: helping the poorest of the poor. Special events in the past have included events such as black-tie gala dinner/dances (including live and silent auctions), golf and fishing tournaments, sponsored walks/races, concert performances, dinner parties and themed events. If you would like to host a Food For The Poor fundraising event, let us know! Contact the Special Events Department by emailing events@foodforthepoor.org or calling 1-888-404-4248.

For any questions that were not answered above, Please email webmaster@foodforthepoor.org or call 1-800-487-1158