Training

This virtual training is designed to guide participants through the process of properly managing food pantry intake. It covers key areas such as client registration, eligibility requirements, and documentation.

This virtual seminar details the Food Bank’s policies, procedures, and resources. It is intended for new coordinators and volunteers but is also open to:

• • Coordinators looking to expand their agency’s partnership with the Food Bank
  • Volunteers as an introduction to the Food Bank’s operations
  • Anyone with questions or an interest in learning more about network resources made available to our partner agencies

Food Bank 102 takes a closer look at our partnership and roles. This 5-hour seminar is designed for food program coordinators, agency executive directors, and those with a leadership role administering their food program. Other topics will include:

• • Food Sourcing Policies
  • Grants Management
  • Operational Policies and Procedures
  • Food Bank’s Strategic Plan

Lunch is provided at this seminar; however, space is limited at each seminar. Pre-registration is required and we ask that each partner register only one person for any given seminar.

Food safety training must be completed annually. There are currently opportunities for food pantries and meal sites to access basic food safety training online, which can be completed by following the steps below.

1. Read and review the Basic Food Safety for Food Pantries or Basic Food Safety for Meal Sites presentation (whichever is applicable).
2. At the end of the presentation, take the food safety quiz. You must score 80% or higher to receive a certificate of completion from the Food Bank. Each worker who would like to receive a certificate will need to complete their own quiz.
3. Have all employees and/or volunteers sign the Food Safety Training Log upon completion of the training. Please keep the Food Safety Training Log available for review during Food Bank site monitor visits.

Partner agencies are required to have staff and volunteers take the USDA Civil Rights Training annually, which can be completed by following the steps below:

1. Partners can now view and complete the USDA Civil Rights Training online!
2. Upon completion of the training, have staff and volunteers sign the USDA Civil Rights Training Log. Keep training log available for review during Food Bank site monitor visits.

For additional information regarding USDA Civil Rights, review the resource below.

• USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

Food Bank of Central New York offers nutrition education through Just Say Yes to Fruits & Vegetables (JSY) workshops, led by our Community Nutrition Educators at food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. These sessions teach practical ways to prepare healthy meals using fruits and vegetables, featuring cooking demonstrations, recipes, and engaging lesson plans. Hosting a workshop at your site is a great way to support clients in using the fresh produce available to them, and our nutrition team is there to answer questions and share tips for healthy living. During farmers’ market season, find our team at the Downtown Syracuse market every Tuesday for live recipe demos and nutrition lessons open to anyone interested in attending. Plus, our Nutrition team also shares healthy recipes and wellness lessons on our nutrition blog, helping everyone in the community live a well-balanced lifestyle.

Food Bank of Central New York hosts Town Halls on a quarterly basis, or under special circumstances, for our partners to receive updates from Food Bank staff, ask questions, and gain clarity on the existing service climate.