Volunteering at a food pantry is a great way to help others. Keeping food safe and handling food safely at the food pantry is the top job of every volunteer. Food pantry volunteers must read, understand, and follow the food safety policies outlined in the food pantry handbook.

Food safety starts before the volunteer arrives at the food pantry. Don’t volunteer if you are ill; call the food pantry and tell them you won’t be in. Hands encounter many contaminants, so proper handwashing is key. Wet hands, apply soap, and scrub for 10–15 seconds, rinse fully, and dry with a paper towel. Always wear gloves when handling food and change gloves after touching nonfood items. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, dispose of the tissue, and wash hands well. Cell phones are not clean; it is best practice not to use them while volunteering. If cell phone use is necessary, remember to wash your hands after use.

Source: Adapted from Food Bank of Iowa, foodbankiowa.org/