Discover the I Deal Specialties difference
We help food banks secure high-quality protein, shelf-stable staples, and the program items they count on. We only sell to food banks, so we are totally focused on your specific needs.
Delivered pricing. Reliable sourcing. From Boston to Hawaii.
Who we are
A woman-owned, family-run food broker
We have one job: getting good food to the people who need it. Whether you need a pallet or a truckload, we are here to help.
I Deal Specialties is led by Lorie Gelb, President. Lorie brings more than 30 years in the wholesale food business, including years as a senior manager and owner of a family-owned, independent food purveyor in Ohio. That family-business background is the heart of how we work: personal, dependable, and in it for the long haul.
We are big enough to meet the need and small enough to care about your mission. Food banks work with us because we pick up the phone, we do what we say, and we help you source what you need within the constraints of your budget.
We're not just a broker. We're your partner.
Lorie GelbPresident
The I Deal Partnership
Strong partnerships feed more families
Every food bank we serve gets the same thing: a call back, a fair price, and product that shows up when we said it would.
We help food banks source products for the programs that matter most:
- Backpack programs
- Pantry distribution
- Emergency food support
Why food banks work with us
Four things you can count on
Competitive pricing
We work to get you the lowest delivered cost available.
Reliable sourcing
Dependable supply you can plan your distribution around.
Clear communication
A real person who answers and follows through.
Long-term relationships
We are here to meet your continuing needs, not just one order.
Our supplier network
We know the people who make the food
- Direct purchasing from food manufacturers and suppliers nationwide
- Long-standing supplier relationships, many built over years
- Low overhead that helps keep delivered pricing competitive
- Direct shipping from the manufacturer to your food bank
- No load-mixing warehouse between manufacturer and food bank
Strong vendor relationships = better pricing and consistent supply
What we source
A wide selection of food-bank staples
Chicken
Chubs
Turkey
Beef & pork
Fish & seafood
Eggs
Canned goods
Pasta, mac & cheese
Rice & beans
Peanut butter
Cooking oils
Juice boxes
Shelf-stable milk
Snack foods & cereals
Popular
- Chicken: drumsticks, thighs, leg quarters, whole birds, breasts, wings
- Chicken products: canned, ground chubs, breaded chicken, nuggets
- Turkey: ground chubs, whole turkeys, turkey breast, deli turkey meat
- Beef and pork: ground chubs, hams
- Fish & seafood: canned tuna, seasoned tuna kits, breaded pollock and cod
- Eggs
- Canned vegetables, fruits, pastas, chicken & tuna
- Dry pasta, mac & cheese
- Rice and beans
- Peanut butter
- Cooking oils
- Juice boxes
- Shelf-stable milk
- Snack foods and cereals
Don't see what you need? We'll help.
Flexible sourcing
How we keep prices low
Opportunity buying is our specialty
A big part of how we get food banks below-market pricing is opportunity buying. We track down high-quality product that manufacturers need to move, then pass the savings straight through to you.
Same quality food. A price that stretches your budget further.
What partners say
Trusted by food-bank and food-industry partners
"I highly recommend I Deal Specialties – they have great pricing and the best customer service! They have been one of my vendors for years."
Kristin KvesicCommunity Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank
"You’ve been a fantastic partner for all our efforts. Always a pleasure doing business with you."
Matt AllenDirector of Food Industry, Central Texas Food Bank
"I Deal Specialties has been so easy to work with. They are very efficient and have provided a smooth, reliable purchasing experience. They are also very responsive and helpful whenever questions arise."
Priscilla ZarcenoFood Bank for Monterey County
"I cannot say how appreciative I am of you making this happen."
Jeff McDonaldSenior Director, Fresh Connect Central
"I Deal Specialties has been a valued partner in supporting our efforts to find the right products that meet our participants' needs. They are consistently attentive to our requests, and their customer service is both friendly and sincere."
Colin DavidsonFood Resource Manager, Redwood Empire Food Bank
"You go above and beyond to find great deals on what I need to bring in. I so appreciate you!"
Dana Van Daele - DealSenior Food Resource & Compliance Manager, Community Food Share
Let's get you what you need
Tell us the products, quantities, delivery location, and timing you need. Lorie will follow up with delivered pricing and availability.
Request Delivered Pricing Call 216-789-9009