10 Best Practices of Emergency Feeding Programs Karin Fleisch Manager, Member Services

Best Practices…. 1. CONISTENT, RELIABLE distribution schedule Weekly distribution (or more often, if possible) Program sign & outreach Open summers/holidays Hours of operation based on community needs & existing feeding program hours www.foodbanknyc.org  Agency Directory  search by ZIP

Best Practices…. 2. Complete Administrative Records Organizational budget Permits/certificates/licenses -DOH Client signature sheets Extermination records Monthly people served reports - FeedNYC

Best Practices… 3. Staff Accountability & Appreciation Staff/Volunteers have specific roles and responsibilities Staff/Volunteers trained and recognized Duties are written down Policies are established

Best Practices… 4. Strong Inventory Management Safe food storage Appropriate ordering schedule FIFO rotation method Active use of inventory log Product security present – lock and key

Best Practices… 5. Nutrition Assessment Variety and balance 3 meals for 3 days for each person in household Meal/bag planning Contains fresh fruits/vegetables & nutrient-rich foods

Best Practices… 6. Safe Food Storage Practices Dry Food Storage – Food is off floor and dated. Area is well-lit, clean, pest-free and ventilated. Cold Food Storage – Food is dated and sealed. Unit is clean and not over-frosted. Accurate thermometer in each unit.

Best Practices… 6 1/2. Safe Food Worker Practices Washes hands frequently and properly (#1 cause of food-borne illness!) Orders Safety/Sanitation items from Food Bank Ensures there is at least 1 person on-site with Food Handler’s License – for Soup Kitchen AND Food Pantries IF PREPARING FOOD: Wears hairnet/hat, apron, and gloves Maintains safe food prep temperatures (use pocket thermometers – free from FB!)

Best Practices… 7. Multiple Sources of Food & Dollars EFAP City Harvest EFSP United Way HPNAP Private funds: Foundations, individuals, small businesses, corporations, events

Best Practices… 8. Dignity in Programming Warm, welcoming atmosphere Clients treated with respect Discretion & consideration of privacy

Best Practices… 9. Community Needs addressed Bilingual Cultural/religious needs Beyond food Food Stamps Health insurance Job training Tax prep

Best Practices… 10. Communicative Food Bank partner Feedback re: deliveries, ordering, etc. New contact info, personnel change, upcoming event? Update us! Use the Intranet – Go to www.foodbanknyc.org. Enter your Username and Password Go!