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Food Pantries and COVID-19

Posted on by Karen Blakeslee

donating foodWhile food pantries have been quite busy this year, the holidays are traditionally the time when there is great need for food pantries. This year is no different.

Managers of food pantries and food distribution sites can consider these steps to help ensure safe access to food for their clients while helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Follow local guidelines and policies as to where and when food distribution can occur. This may include extended hours, outdoor distribution locations, and enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols.

Educate staff, volunteers and clients for their own safety. If anyone is sick, stay home! Clients should find someone else to pick up the food.

Food insecurity, even in the short-term, can have serious impacts on physical and mental health. During this difficult time, food pantry and food distribution sites are critical. Managers can provide safe and flexible options to help people with food insecurity while prioritizing the health and safety of clients, staff, and volunteers.

Safe and Healthy Food Pantries

Posted on by Karen Blakeslee

Food pantries help meet the nutrition and health needs for people who are food insecure and low-income who may have chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Without food pantries, many buy inexpensive, unhealthy foods for their families. Food pantry guests are at increased risk for foodborne illness.

Research conducted by the University of Wisconsin shows food pantry guests want more fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, turkey, fish, chicken, peanut butter, and eggs. The challenges with offering these foods are many including equipment to store these foods. Food pantries need to make these foods more visible before less healthful foods. Recipes to use the foods will also encourage guests to chose them.

Donors must be mindful of the foods they donate. Establish a nutrition policy to guide donors of needed foods. Providing lists of needed foods helps reduce unwanted donations that may be wasted.

Learn more about improving food pantries at http://fyi.uwex.edu/safehealthypantries/

 

Food Pantries and Food Safety

Posted on by Karen Blakeslee

No matter if you have full access to food or limited access to food, everyone deserves safe food. While it is difficult to see food wasted, there is no benefit in giving away unsafe food. Here are some signs:

  • Packages crushed, torn, dented, leaking, rusty, punctured, etc.
  • Evidence of insects on packages or in the storage area.
  • Baby food past expiration date.
  • Damaged tamper-resistant seals.
  • Spoilage signs like mold, off odors, slimy food.
  • Cold food that is thawing or warm.
  • Uncertain handling history.

Learn more at www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/holiday.html.

 

Reference to any specific commercial products, process, service, manufacturer, or company does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation. Paid for by Kansas State University