Apr. 06, 2020 - Feeding America: Illegal product Distributed

Dear Agencies:

Please be alerted that one of our members received a donation of unsorted product that was passed on to an agency partner in alignment with established policy. The established protocol was for agency partners to sort and vet unsorted product from this donor according to food safety standards prior to distribution. Regrettably, THC-infused product with packaging that mimics Nerds candy was not identified by the agency's volunteers prior to distribution to community residents. Some children required medical attention as a result of consuming the THC-infused product. The member and their agency partner took immediate and comprehensive actions to stop the distribution and consumption of this product in partnership with local authorities and the media. The food bank has also changed their protocol for distribution of unsorted product from this donor to their agency network to prevent illegal product from entering distribution channels.

Feeding America strongly advises you to revisit your established protocols in light of this serious situation and to re-educate your staff and agency network regarding necessary protocols for identifying and disposing of any product that may be misidentified and could contain medicinal chemicals. A picture of the illegal candy is below. Additional guidance with pictures of a variety of THC-infused candy/food in the marketplace will be distributed by Feeding America on Monday to aid you in your on-going education and training efforts. Please provide the impacted member the time they need to manage this situation by directing any messages of support or questions you may have to Mark Biewald, Member Engagement Director, at mbiewald@feedingamerica.org.

To receive important alerts like this in the future, especially as we are managing through the COVID-19 situation, please text CEOs to 312-667-7455.