FOOD SAFETY TIPS -For Volunteers at Meal Service Sites

 

Why Food Safety Matters:

Many hands help prepare and serve food at meal sites. Proper food safety protects guests and volunteers from illness — especially in busy, high-turnover volunteer environments.

🧼 1. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY

Clean hands save lives!

Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds Always wash:

Before handling or serving food

After using the restroom

After sneezing, coughing, or touching your face

After handling trash or cleaning supplies

Hand sanitizer is helpful but not a substitute for handwashing!

🧤 2. WEAR GLOVES THE RIGHT WAY

Wash hands before putting on gloves Change gloves:

Between raw and ready-to-eat foods

After touching surfaces or your face

If gloves get torn or dirty

Gloves must be used when serving ready-to-eat foods like bread, fruit, or salads.

🍳 3. COOK & REHEAT FOODS TO SAFE TEMPS

Use a food thermometer when possible:

Poultry: 165°F

Ground meat: 160°F

Leftovers or reheated foods: 165°F

Never serve undercooked food — when in doubt, heat it out!

🔥4. KEEP FOODS AT SAFE TEMPERATURES

Hot foods should stay at 135°F or warmer Cold foods should stay at 41°F or cooler Discard any food left out more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in hot weather) Use coolers, ice, or warming trays to help maintain temps if needed

🚫 5. IF YOU FEEL SICK, PLEASE DON’T VOLUNTEER

Even minor symptoms can spread illness to others.

Stay home if you have:

❌ Vomiting

❌ Diarrhea

❌ Fever

Let the team know — your health helps protect everyone!

For more information on food safety tips for volunteers at meal service sites, visit:

www.communityfoodrescue.org/food-safety-for-volunteer-food-runners/