Lutheran Social Services has operated a food bank in conjunction with the national food bank network Feeding America for 34 years.  Feeding America terminated the contract with Lutheran Social Services in January after citing the organization for non-compliance with its national standards in July of 2013 and giving it time to bring its practices up to speed.  The board of Lutheran Social Services has formally invoked a clause in the contract that provides for mediation of disputes.

Feeding America distributes bulk food donations to 203 member food banks around the country.  Its contract has strict requirements for inventory control, record-keeping, and facility practices such as pest control and other health issues.  There are compliance audits every two years to ensure that member food banks are following procedures.  Feeding America notes that the food bank operated by Lutheran Social Services has been in violation of its rules for ten years, and was given ample opportunity to fix the issues.

A spokesperson for Feeding America acknowledged that mediation was part of the separation process and confirmed that Feeding America would take part as contractually obligated, but asserted Feeding America’s belief that separation is the best way forward for the Jacksonville food bank.