1. 10 Best Practices of Emergency Feeding Programs
Karin Fleisch
Manager, Member Services

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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!)

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

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

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

12. Best Practices… 10. Communicative Food Bank partner
Feedback re: deliveries, ordering, etc.
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