Food Rescue: Vermont's Hunger Relief Efforts and Food Safety Initiatives
Vermont Foodbank, founded in 1986, is the state's largest hunger relief organization, serving over 153,000 people annually with a focus on fresh produce and community partnerships. They face challenges like lack of refrigerated storage and fundraising constraints but maintain a strong food safety culture. Strategies include efficient communication systems, partnerships with corporations like Hannaford and Shaw's, and providing food safety education. The commitment to a culture of food safety is evident in their efforts to be audit-ready every day.
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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
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
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
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
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.
