10 Best Practices of Emergency Feeding Programs

1. 10 Best Practicesof 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 • www.foodbanknyc.org  Agency Directory  search by ZIP

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. • New contact info, personnel change, upcoming event? Update us! • Use the Intranet – • Go to www.foodbanknyc.org. • Enter your Username and Password • Go!