Food safety includes receiving, handling, preparing and storing food in ways that prevent foodborne illness. Foodborne illness is a serious issue and Second Harvest Heartland is committed to supporting agency partners in meeting our food safety requirements.

Agency partners, Second Harvest Heartland and donors are protected from liability by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act were someone to become ill from eating food we provided, if we are acting “in good faith.” Good faith means that we are all being proactive in managing recalls, meeting standard food safety practices and ensuring that volunteers and staff are trained in food safety as relevant to the type of food program.

Food Safety Training Requirements for Partners

In order to protect the donors, agency partners, our food and most importantly clients, Second Harvest Heartland requires that at least one person must be trained in a food safety course and train the food preparation workers in safe food handling practices. If agencies utilize food provided by the Second Harvest Heartland to make meals, their key food service program staff are required to meet MN Department of Health and local commercial food safety standards.

Grocery Distribution Programs (Food Shelves/Pantries, Mass Distributions, Backpack Programs, Produce Distributions, etc.)

Requirement: ServSafe Food Handler Guide for Food Banking Training

1. View the training video
2. Complete training sign off form You will receive a Training Completion Form via email.
3. Keep your Training Completion Form email for your records and email copy to your Compliance Specialist.

Meal/Snack Programs

Requirement: Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)

Learn about certification

Any Program Transporting Food

1. View the Safe Food Transport Training
2. Use temperature logs to monitor product temperature.