1. Food Rescue – It’s What We Do…

2. VT Foodbank Facts Founded in 1986
Vermont’s largest hunger relief organization, serving over 153,000 people yearly (1 in 4), with 35,000 being children
Work with over 215 network partners statewide
Distributed over 11.7 million lbs. and over 2.2 million lbs. of produce in FY18
Largest gleaning organization in the state – over 450,000 lbs. last year
40% increase in food rescue category from FY16 to FY17– largely due to Act 148

3. Charitable Food System Barriers
Infrastructure:
Lack of refrigerated storage, volunteer-reliant, food safety challenges, shift in focus to fresh
Began Fresh Rescue Program in 2014
Logistics and Communication:
Rural nature of VT, efficiency challenges, lack of effective communication system, transportation
Cost:
Non-profit’s limited by fundraising, consistent volumes, types of donations, hours of operation

4. Food Safety Culture Member of Feeding America Network
3rd Party Audited by AIB International
Established Food Defense Team
Certified ServSafe Trainer on Staff
All Staff with Food Handling Responsibilities are ServSafe Certified
Offer ServSafe Training to our Network Partners
Trained Volunteer Leaders in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Additional Food Safety-Related Trainings

5. Food Safety Strategies:
Facilitate RPA program linking agencies with donors directly
Feeding America support
Corporate Partnerships – Hannaford, Shaw’s, Price Chopper, Starbucks, Cumberland Farms
Create an efficient communication system
Provide additional food safety, outreach and food preservation education
Creative Collaborations – Salvation Farms, State of VT, SASH
Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act
RPA Decision Tree Tool

6. Be “Audit Ready” Every Day
Commitment to a culture of food safety is challenging, especially when you have limited resources. Having the will to do it and a creative mindset to pull it off are key.
Set the bar high, create expectations and hold each other accountable along the way.
Our guests deserve it.