Child Nutrition program operators may want to visit a farm before purchasing produce. During a visit, you can observe and ask questions about produce handling and food safety practices.
Information about food safety issues in school gardens. Includes topics such as site selection, materials, and water use; chemical and fertilizer use; compost and manure use; growing and harvesting produce; using school garden produce in your school meals program and addressing community donations.
Best practices associated with handling fresh produce in schools, including information on purchasing and receiving, washing and preparation, hand hygiene, serving, and storage of fresh produce. Also includes recommendations for specific fruits and vegetables.
Learn more about COVID-19 food safety resources available to FNS program operators including new resources for school nutrition professionals from the Institute of Child Nutrition.
Creating food-safe schools takes time and hard work. The Action Guide will help you recognize where you’re starting and what you can build over time. Once you have a complete blueprint, with all the necessary pieces in one place, you will have a valuable and lasting tool.
Resources available for PSU graduates.
This page provides resources that can help FNS program operators prevent foodborne illness during emergencies and disasters. The Food Safety Emergency Response Pocket Guide supports school nutrition professionals in their response to food safety emergencies caused by disasters and weather-related events. The Assembling Food Safety Emergency Supply Kits poster highlights supplies to include in emergency kits.
The following tips are intended to get you thinking about ways to engage partners in creating a culture of food safety.
The safety of the food you serve is a top priority. You want foods served through child nutrition programs to contribute to students’ learning and well-being; you don’t want them to cause harm.
Letter to reiterate the flexibilities that USDA has made available to all WIC state agencies and to urge all states to take additional action to make it easier for families to get the formula they need.