COLUMBIA, S.C. – During this time of uncertainty, many people are donating food or are working or volunteering in food banks, food pantries or soup kitchens.
To help ensure these acts of kindness are well-received, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service Food Systems and Safety Program Team members Faith Isreal and Kimberly Baker are holding a free webinar to teach about food safety for donated foods.
(photo by Clemson University Extension)
“It is important to remember to be safe when helping others. During this webinar we will teach about the importance of food safety for donated foods during COVID-19,” said Isreal, who is a Food Systems and Safety agent for Fairfield, Kershaw and Richland Counties.
“Many people are donating food or money to help fight hunger. These actions are great in that they support local communities,” she said. “Donating food diverts it from landfills, puts it in the hands of those in need and reduces the environmental footprint.”
Topics addressed during the webinar will include demystifying product dating, identifying potentially hazardous foods and learning what conditions donated foods should be in.
The webinar is free and will be held via the web-based video conferencing tool Zoom beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 12. A meeting link will be provided to all who register. To register, go to www.tinyurl.com/CUDonatedFood.
For more information, contact Isreal at fisreal@clemson.edu.
—Denise Attaway, Clemson University