The waiting and fresh foods area at Annandale Food Shelf

The waiting and fresh foods area at Annandale Food Shelf

 Food Safety

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 Partner Agencies

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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.

ServSafe Food Handler Guide for Food Banking Training

Grocery Distribution Programs (food shelves/pantries, mass distributions, backpack programs, produce distributions, etc.)

Requirement: ServSafe Food Handler Guide for Food Banking Training

  1. Complete SHH online training click here or at right. (PDF of the slides available click here.)

  2. Complete training sign off form - click here - after you have watched the video. You will receive a Training Completion Form via email.

  3. Print off Training Completion Form email for your records and email copy to your account specialist.

Meal/Snack Programs

Requirement: State Food Manager Certification

  1. Register for the Initial Certification for Food Managers Training and Exam with an Approved Exam Company.

  • See MDH: MN Certified Food Manager for training options. Cost is typically $175 for the 8 hour course and exam. Please note that you will need to receive training from an Approved Exam Company.

2. Complete and Pass an Approved Exam at the end of the 8 hour training.

  • Online and in person test options are available. The exam consists of 90 questions to be completed within 2 hours.

  • Upon passing the test, you will receive an Exam Certificate.

3. Submit your Exam Certificate for State Food Manager Certification

4. Display or file certificate as required by your health inspector. Email/Fax a copy of your State Food Manager Certification to your Account Specialist.