Frequently Asked Questions About Proxy Shopping

Who gets a proxy, and who can be one?

All food shelf participants have the right to designate a proxy for their household. A proxy can be any trusted person who has formal permission to shop at the food shelf on a participant’s behalf.

How do I get a proxy, or become a proxy for someone else?

To designate a proxy, the participant simply contacts CAC staff and gives them the name(s) of the authorized person or people; this permission can be given by phone, in person, or in writing, but it must come directly from the participant. 

Can I have more than one person listed as a proxy for me? 

Yes, one family can have multiple proxies associated with their household. 

Can I serve as a proxy for more than one family?

Yes. One person can be listed as a proxy for any number of different households, and one proxy can shop for multiple households at one time. 

Can I change my mind about who is allowed to shop for me?

Yes, proxies can be added or removed easily, at any time.

How do I get groceries for the family I’m shopping for?

To shop, proxies come to the food shelf during normal operating hours and give the name of the receiving participant at check-in.

How often can I get groceries for the family I’m shopping for?

All families can access their choice of any CAC food shelf every other week, whether through a proxy or in person. If you’re serving as a proxy for a family you feel is in greater need, please communicate that to CAC staff.

Who sets up the delivery?

Each participant is responsible for communicating with their proxy about dietary preferences, delivery timing and logistics. Proxies should know that the selection of food available in the food shelf is always changing; there will be abundant options and many dietary staples available, but no particular item is guaranteed to be in stock at any particular time.