GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN 

MEMBER AGENCY AGREEMENT

This Member Agency Agreement ("Agreement") is between Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan ("Gleaners") and ("Agency Name").

Recitals

Gleaners exists to provide households with access to sufficient, nutritious food and related resources. Gleaners seeks to accomplish this through collaboration, efficient operations, education, and innovative solutions to achieve a hunger-free community in Southeast Michigan. To accomplish that mission, Gleaners collects, purchases and distributes food and other related consumer products received by Gleaners (referred to as "Products") to entities referred to as "Member Agencies" (or interchangeably as "Agencies" or "Partners") to be served or distributed to individuals who are needy, ill, or children.

Gleaners engages in strong, collaborative relationships with like-minded partners to create and deliver measurable, relevant, sustainable and integrated programs. Member Agencies distributing Gleaners groceries are expected to serve those in need with dignity, respect and integrity.

The Agency wishes to participate as a Member Agency to assist Gleaners in the distribution of Products under the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement.

Gleaners and the Agency enter into this Agreement to serve the purpose of fulfilling Gleaners' mission.

Agreement

The parties agree to the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement.

1. Member Agency Status. The Agency desires to become a member agency of Gleaners, which will allow it to access donated and purchased Products in accordance with the requirements established by Gleaners for its member agencies. Agency has submitted a membership application, including all required materials, and has met all other conditions for member agency status. Gleaners has reviewed the application and has determined that the Agency is eligible to become a member agency. Upon Gleaners' acceptance and starting on the date designated by Gleaners, the Agency shall become a Member Agency. 
   1. Membership Fee. The Agency shall pay Gleaners an annual membership fee. This fee will be billed to the Agency each January or February and be paid under normal payment procedures. Payment of the membership fee is a condition of continued status as a member agency.
   2. Active/Inactive Agency Designation. The Agency agrees that it will abide by all terms of this Agreement and other Gleaners Policies, and place a minimum number of orders each year, as determined by Gleaners, and to be deemed an Active Agency. If the Agency becomes inactive, then the Agency will not be allowed to obtain Products from Gleaners. The Agency agrees that it will complete the agency application process again, prior to being reinstated as an Active Agency and allowed to obtain Products from Gleaners again.
   3. Term/Renewal. The initial term of this Agreement shall be through the end of the first full calendar year following the effective date. Unless this Agreement is terminated by either party or Gleaners does not renew this Agreement, this Agreement shall, with the Agency's timely remittance of the required fees, be automatically extended for successive terms of one (1) year each (each period of the Agreement referred to a "Term"
   4. Termination of Agreement. The Agency or Gleaners can terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, at any time by providing verbal or written notice to the designated contact for the other party. The terminating party will confirm termination of the Agreement by providing written notice to the other party within three (3) business days of the initial notice, if verbal; however, the initial notice will serve as the formal notice of termination and shall be effective when provided (or on the date designated by the terminating party If the Agency provides Gleaners with notice of termination, Gleaners may, in its discretion, accept that notice effective immediately.
2. Eligibility Requirements. For eligibility to distribute Donated Product, Agency Partner must be one of the following types of organizations with supporting documentation to be provided: a. a Public Charity, or an organization wholly owned by a Public Charity, that either: i.Was organized for and operates for the purpose of the care of and service to the ill, needy, or infants (minor children 0-18 years old), or ii. Uses Donated Product in a manner relating to and consistent with the organization's exempt purpose through programs that care for and serve the ill, needy, or infants b. a Church that cares for or serves the ill, needy, and/or infants.
3. Area of Distribution. The Agency agrees that it will distribute Products received from Gleaners in Southeastern Michigan (the Counties of Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, Macomb and Monroe), unless otherwise approved by Gleaners. The Agency will not distribute any Products outside of the United States and Puerto Rico.
4. Policy and Procedure Compliance. The Agency agrees to abide by Gleaners' policies, procedures, and record keeping requirements.
   1. Operational Requirements Policy for Member Agencies. The Agency agrees abide by Gleaners' Operational Requirements Policy for Member Agencies, attached to this Agreement.
5. Non-Discrimination Requirements. The Agency promises to serve the needy, ill, and/or infants (minor children), without discrimination based upon race, color, citizenship, religion gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a protected veteran or as otherwise prohibited under the current USDA nondiscrimination statement.
6. Recipients of Distributed Products. The Agency agrees that it will distribute Products to recipients who qualify as ill, needy and/or infants (minor children 0-18 years old) as defined in IRS code section 170(e3 The Agency also agrees that it will not distribute Products to people who do not qualify to receive the Products as defined in IRS Code section 170(e3
   1. The Agency will maintain a procedure for determining that the final recipient of the Donated Product is ill, needy, or an infant such as using self-declarations of need or other intake processes.
7. Distribution without Charge. The Agency agrees that it will distribute Products (food and non-food items) obtained from Gleaners free of charge (monetary, volunteer hours, services or otherwise) to eligible clients. The Agency will not charge or solicit membership dues or fees for Products from eligible clients.
   1. The Agency will not require eligible clients to perform work services or become a part of or a witness to religious teachings or worship services, to obtain Products. All are welcome to join a worship service, offer a donation, or volunteer, but they shall receive the same food as those who simply identify themselves as in need of emergency food assistance.
   2. Agency staff and volunteers are often in need of food as well. To avoid the appearance of requiring work in exchange for food, and to maintain a fair and just distribution, needy volunteers or staff must meet the same eligibility requirements, follow the same process and receive the same type of food allotment as other clients.
8. Use of Products. The Agency agrees that it will not sell or use Products in exchange for money, other property or services, including using Products for the purpose of fundraising programs and events. The Agency also agrees that it will comply with the restrictions on the use and transfer of Products, as described in IRS Code 170(e3) and other requirements for use and distribution of Donated Product.
   1. The Agency Partner will not: 
      1. Use any non-food Donated Product in their operations or upkeep.
      2. Use any Donated Product for business meetings, including, without limitation, committee meetings and other functions where business is conducted relating to the Agency Partner.
      3. Use of Donated Product in connection with fundraisers or events.
      4. Consume any Donated Product (food or non-food), including consumption of beverages by volunteers when carrying out assigned duties. 
      5. Use of Donated Product to compensate or provide incentives to staff or volunteers.
      6. Will not trade, sell or barter Donated Product.
      7. Will not charge clients/recipients any fees for Donated Products.
   2. Unused Products. In the event that the Agency is not able to use Products as required under this Agreement, the Agency shall notify Gleaners of this; Gleaners will instruct Agency how to proceed with unused Products.
   3. Donor Stipulations. The Agency agrees that it will adhere to any additional donor stipulations placed on Products.
   4. Purchased Product. The Agency agrees that if it should choose to purchase Product ("Co-Agency Products") then it may pay extra charges and costs associated with such Product and that it is solely responsible for those extra charges and costs.
9. Operating Requirements.
   1. Storage and Handling of Products. The Agency shall maintain its facilities in good repair and in a manner necessary to ensure sanitary food handling and storage.
      1. The Agency will abide by Gleaners' policy on Food Storage Guidelines and, if applicable, Food Preparation Guidelines for on-site feeding programs.
      2. The Agency Partner agrees to receive, store, transfer, use and handle Product safely and properly in accordance with applicable law.

   2. Food Safety. The Agency agrees that at least one staff person be trained in food safety from an approved food safety training course. The Agency also agrees that if it utilizes food provided by Gleaners to make meals, their key food service program staff is required to meet local commercial food safety standards, including obtaining managerial level food safety certification. Agency will adhere to basic food storage requirements including those laid out in the Food Safety and Storage Guidelines Policy.

   3. Transporting Products. When transporting Products, Agency will do so in a manner that prevents contamination and adulteration, including without limitation, the following requirements:

      1. Temperature Controlled for Safety (TCS) foods must be staged, transported, and held at temperatures appropriate to the relevant food item (e.g., safe temperatures for hot or cold TCS foods)

      2. When transporting TCS foods, Agency Partner must use a visible active temperature retention system (e.g., refrigerated vehicle) or a passive temperature retention system (e.g., insulated coolers or bags, thermal blankets, cambros) for the safe transport of cold or hot food

      3. All vehicles used for transporting Product must have clean food storage areas and be maintained to prevent contamination or adulteration of the transported Product.

   4. Inspection Obligations. The Agency understands and agrees that it is responsible for inspecting and storing all Products received from Gleaners.

   5. "As Is" Condition. The Agency agrees that it will accept all Products received from Gleaners in "as is" condition. The Agency acknowledges that the original donor, the Food Bank and Feeding America offer no express warranties in relation to the Donated Product.

   6. Shared Maintenance, Transportation and Value-Added Processing Fees. The Agency agrees to pay any applicable Shared Maintenance and/or handling fees (Value Added Processing, Delivery Charges, Transportation fees) for the Products received from Gleaners.

   7. Multiple Locations and Sub-distribution. The Agency agrees that it will only receive and store Product from Gleaners at multiple locations if:

   1. All locations individually meet the requirements of this Agreement;

   2.  

      have been inspected; and

   3.  

      are approved by Gleaners prior to receiving and distributing food. 

       

       

      • The Agency is not allowed to sub-distribute Product to any organization, agency, partner, or entity other than a qualifying client, without a signed agreement from the Food Bank.

   8. Enabled Donor Pick-up Program. Agency may not engage in an Enabled Donor Pick-up Program without a signed agreement from the Food Bank.

   9. USDA Food Program. If the Agency chooses to participate in the USDA Food Program also known as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Agency must sign the USDA Food Program Agreement and abide by all requirements.

   10. Community Outreach. The Agency must display the days and hours of food distribution operations for clients to see even when the location is closed. The Agency is expected to promote their food distributions to individuals and families in the communities they serve, being mindful of reaching underserved populations using tactics including but not limited to promoting their services conducting outreach to other local service providers (schools, churches, community centers, etc, and making information available in multiple languages (dependent on regional demographics). 

10. Authorized Agent. The Agency agrees to have only an authorized agent(s) pick up or receive Products from Gleaners. The Agency also agrees to provide Gleaners a list of agents authorized to place orders, submit statistics and view invoices and statements, and to contact Gleaners when a change is made to that list.

11. Maintain Records. The Agency shall maintain accurate, up-to-date records which will allow it to satisfy the informational requirement established by Gleaners. In particular, records should accurately reflect the number of households and individuals served and the total amount of Product received from the Food Bank, including Product received through an Agency Partner Enabled Donor Pick-Up Program.

    1. Availability of Records. The Agency agrees to make its records related to the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to those which track the receipt and distribution of Products obtained from Gleaners and financial record available to Gleaners, with or without notice.

    2. Maintaining Records. The Agency will ensure records (paper or electronic) of Products received are available to Gleaners for a minimum of one year from the date of receipt.

12. Data Confidentiality and Security. The Agency will take appropriate administrative and technical measures designed to protect individual privacy and data confidentiality and security.

13. Inspecting Agency Facilities. The Agency agrees to allow representatives of Gleaners, donors and government agencies to inspect and audit all facilities and vehicles where Products received from Gleaners are received, stored and distributed, with or without notice. The Agency will allow regular Gleaners monitoring visits and will make its personnel available to Gleaners to respond to questions and to assist Gleaners staff in reviewing the facilities and operations.

14. Continued Cooperation. Agencies occasionally are located close to each other or serve overlapping groups of eligible clients. If requested by Gleaners, the Agency agrees that it will review in good faith and consider any suggestions by Gleaners to cooperate or combine operations or facilities with a specific designated agency to avoid or minimize geographic duplication or increase the efficiency of delivering Products to eligible persons.
15. Notice of Developments. Not more than three days after the Agency becomes aware of any of the following events, the Agency shall notify Gleaners, describing the event and the action which the Agency has taken and proposes to take: a) The Agency violates any provision of this Agreement; or b) The Agency no longer maintains its qualification as a tax-exempt organization or it files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent; or c) Any fire, flood, or other natural or physical disaster that occurs and could materially affect the Agency or its ability to serve its clients; or d) The Agency changes its location, administrative officers, or affiliation with its sponsoring organization, if any; or e) Any other event occurs which could materially affect the Agency or its ability uphold its obligations under this agreement or serve its clients.
16. Local, State and Federal Regulations. The Agency shall observe all federal, state, and local laws, statutes, rules, and all other regulations applicable to it. The Agency agrees that it will ensure the Product conforms to any applicable provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and any regulations that follow. The Agency also agrees that it will handle Products in a manner consistent with all local, state and federal regulations and will maintain current licenses as required by local, state and federal regulations. The Agency shall have and will maintain, all state and local licenses required of food service establishments in its location, according to the services it provides, including without limitation all credentials required by the food bank. This specifically includes but is not limited to, maintaining all required food handling certifications.
17. Relationship between the Parties. This Agreement does not create and is not intended to create any agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between Gleaners and the Agency. The parties are independent entities that are not responsible for the acts or actions of the other party. If the Member Agency is referred to as a "partner," it is used only as a colloquial term and such a reference in no way denotes a legal arrangement.
    1. This Agreement does not create an employment relationship between Gleaners and any employee of the Agency or any other individual acting for or on behalf of Agency. The Agency is solely responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws related to any individuals, employees, or volunteers acting for or on behalf of the Agency.
18. Release and Indemnification. The Agency will select and carefully inspect all Products received by it from Gleaners before using the Products. The Agency releases Feeding America, Gleaners, and each original donor of Products from any liability resulting from the condition of any Products. The Agency will hold harmless and indemnify the original donor, Gleaners and Feeding America from any claims or obligations arising from Donated Product, or conditions or activities at Agency Partner locations.
19. Assignment. The Agency may not assign its rights and duties under this Agreement. By notifying the Agency at least ten (10) days in advance, Gleaners may assign its rights and duties under this Agreement to any organization which acquires all or substantially all of Gleaners' assets and operations, and to a non- profit organization established or sponsored by Gleaners for the purpose of collecting and distributing Products to individuals who are needy, ill, or children.
20. Entire Agreement, Amends and Severability. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between Gleaners and the Agency and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, between the parties. This Agreement can be amended only in writing executed by the Agency and acknowledged by Gleaners. 

    The Agency's authorized representative's signature below confirms that the Agency is accepting and agrees to abide by all the terms of this agreement.

Attached Policies:

• Gleaners Policies and Procedures
• Operational Requirements
• Food Safety and Storage Guidelines

Partner Agency Policies & Procedures

Placing Orders

• Designate at least two people who will be given permission and training to place online orders, pick up orders, submit statistics and view invoices and statements.
• Should there be a change in staff or volunteers, Gleaners requires updated contact information for that individual(s) before they are allowed to place or pickup orders for your Agency.
• Only approved individuals will be able to access information about the Agency account.
• Orders must be placed before 9pm at least 4 business days in advance of your planned pickup or delivery to allow sufficient time for your order to be pulled and staged.
• Business days do NOT include holidays, weekends or other days that Gleaners is closed.
• You are allowed to order once a week, and you must order at least 7 times annually.
• Ordering fewer than 7 times a year will trigger an account suspension.
• Additional orders beyond one order per week may be deleted at Gleaners' discretion.
• Gleaners' staff will provide login credentials and training to order via our online platform. This platform allows access to order invoices, statements and monthly statistics.
• When placing your order:
• Read the shopping list carefully. Reach out to us if you have questions about a product.
• Pay close attention to how the product comes packaged, the weight, and how it must be stored (dry, refrigerated or frozen).

Paying for Orders

• Please select which payment option your organization will use to pay for orders:
  1. Payment with a check or money order upon receipt of food (at pickup or delivery).
  2. Payment due monthly by the 5th of the month for all orders received in previous month.
  3. Establish a credit on your account with advance payments held at the food bank. When orders
     are placed, the amount is deducted from your account
• Changes to your payment option must be communicated to Gleaners' Agency Relations team.
• Please make sure your Agency Reference number is on the check or money order.
• Accounts 60 days past due are subject to Suspension.

Picking-up Orders

• You are asked to abide by your designated pickup day and time. Should you need to change your pickup window, reach out to the Agency Relations team as soon as possible.
• Vehicles used for transporting food must have clean storage areas that are maintained to prevent contamination of transported items, and sufficient space to accommodate your complete food order.
• When transporting Temperature Controlled for Safety (TCS) foods such as refrigerated and frozen items, Agency must use a visible active temperature retention system (e.g., refrigerated vehicle) or a passive temperature retention system (e.g., insulated coolers or bags, thermal blankets, cambros) for the safe transport of cold food.
• Only staff members are allowed to open the roll-up warehouse doors.
• Load your vehicle with purchased items from your invoice first; load your free food last.
• Agencies may be limited in how much free aisle product they are able to pick up during their visit.
• Turn in your signed invoice along with your payment to Gleaners staff. Maintain the second copy of the invoice for your own records.
• Failure to pick up an order within 2 weeks of your designated day may result in a $25 re-stocking fee.
• Eating, drinking, gum, open-toe shoes and talking on cell phones is not allowed in the warehouse.
• All Gleaners facilities are weapons-free zones.

Receiving Deliveries

• Orders over 2,500 pounds and at least $250 may be eligible for delivery and must be scheduled.
• Deliveries may include free fresh produce and milk if your Agency can safely store the product.
• Gleaners' trucks must have clear parking lot access and a level surface to offload pallets.
• Gleaners Drivers will not bring orders inside an Agency facility.
• Make sure to check that your order is complete upon receiving your Gleaners delivery.

Returning Items & Missing Items

• If you find that you are unable to use ordered items, please contact Gleaners.
• Once you are in possession of any frozen goods, Gleaners will not accept returns (unless you request to return them immediately on the delivery truck; re-stocking fees may apply).
• If you realize that there is product(s) missing from your order once it is in your possession, call Gleaners immediately. Gleaners is not able to accommodate requests to rectify missing product more than one week after receipt of the order.

Data Collection & Sharing

• You must submit monthly statistics by the 10th of each month for the previous month.
• Approved methods for submitting monthly statistics include active use of Link2Feed, establishing a Data Sharing agreement with Gleaners, or use of www.ordergleaners.org.
• Failure to submit statistics will result in an account suspension.

Communication with Gleaners

• You will receive a monthly statement in the mail summarizing the amount owed to Gleaners or a positive credit balance which would be reflected in parentheses.
• Each year (around January), your account will be charged the Annual Membership Fee of $75.
• Every one to two years (at a minimum) you will be contacted by a Gleaners Agency Relations staff member to conduct a required site visit. The purpose of the visit is to identify needs, challenges, lessons learned, opportunities, etc. that your Agency has experienced, as well as for Gleaners to share helpful resources/materials. The Gleaners staff will also review a monitoring form to ensure that your Agency is abiding by Feeding America and USDA regulations for food storage and distribution.
• Your Agency may be called upon to participate in Mock (practice) Recalls, so that we can be prepared in case of an actual food recall. This entails letting Gleaners know how much of a product you still have in inventory and having a plan for notifying your participants if they have received a recalled product.
• Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter email for updates, reminders and resources.
• Gleaners Warehouse Closures due to inclement weather, staff events and holidays will be communicated via newsletter and the online ordering platform www.ordergleaners.org.

A Gleaners Representative has discussed the above items with us, and we feel prepared to order, pay and receive our Gleaners orders and communicate with Gleaners staff.

Operational Requirements for Member Agencies

Gleaners approves Member Agencies to receive and distribute purchased and donated products in accordance with the policies and requirements established by Gleaners for its Member Agencies. Status as a Member Agency can be modified, suspended or terminated by Gleaners in its discretion. Gleaners expects member agencies to treat all recipients with respect, courtesy, and civility.

To assist Member Agencies in understanding our expectations, Gleaners has detailed below conduct and actions that Gleaners considers to be operational deficiencies, violations or infractions of Gleaners' policies and rules. This list is not exhaustive, and Gleaners may take actions that it considers appropriate whether detailed in this policy or not.

Operational deficiencies or violations or infractions of Gleaners' policies include, but are not limited to:

• Exchanging donated food or other products for money, goods, property, services, or benefits of any kind or using food and other products for fundraising or similar events held by the agency.
• Using donated food or other products in a manner that is not related to the tax-exempt purposes of Gleaners.
• Requiring or encouraging food program participants to pay, donate, pray, attend religious services or work/volunteer to receive products or special treatment.
  • Agency staff or volunteers are often in need of food as well. To avoid the appearance of requiring work in exchange for food, and to maintain a fair and just distribution, needy volunteers or staff must meet the same eligibility requirements and follow the same process as other participants.
• Removal of donated food or other products from an on-site program for private use.
• Civil Rights violations.
• Loss of 501(c)3 status as a public charity.
• Donated food or other products that are improperly stored, refrigerated, or transported.
• Donated food or other products that are improperly stockpiled.
• Delinquency in submitting monthly agency statistics by the 10th of the month.
• Delinquency in payment of shared-maintenance, membership fees or other fees. Agency accounts 60 days past due are subject to suspension.
• Delinquency in providing current and appropriate proof of food safety certification.
• Agency places fewer than 7 paid orders a year and/or does not reliably distribute food.
• Agency refuses or does not cooperate in Gleaners' inspection of agency facility.
• Agency is in violation of any state or local statute, ordinance, code or regulation.
• Agency creates or allows a hostile work environment for Gleaners' customers, staff or volunteers, or their own customers, staff or volunteers.
• Agency otherwise violates the Agency Agreement between itself and Gleaners, or any other Gleaners' policies, procedures or requirements.

Operational Procedures 

Gleaners may evaluate compliance with operational requirements during monitoring visits. Gleaners may also receive information about the Agency from third parties and outside sources. Gleaners' staff will review all information, complaints or tips regarding an Agency's conduct as it determines necessary and appropriate. Gleaners will verbally or in writing notify an Agency of the outcome of a review or investigation.

If necessary, Gleaners will advise the member agency of any remedial actions or consequences of Gleaners' investigation. Gleaners may deliver this information verbally or in writing. If the notice involves a suspension or termination, Gleaners will confirm that notice in writing within five (5) business days of the initial notice; if verbal, the initial notice will serve as formal notice and shall be effective when provided. 

Possible outcomes related to review of operational requirements are detailed below. These actions are not progressive. Gleaners may implement the outcome(s) that it determines appropriate at any time.

• No action necessary. The Agency is meeting operational requirements; no remedial action is necessary. 
• Remedial Action. Gleaners' review of operational procedures may identify deficiencies in operational requirements that Gleaners believes the Agency can promptly remedy by specific actions recommended by Gleaners. Gleaners will advise the Agency of those actions. 
• Suspension. An Agency may be suspended if found in violation of Gleaner's operational requirements. Upon suspension, the Agency loses all the rights and privileges of a Member Agency. An Agency that remedies prior violations to Gleaners' satisfaction may be considered for re-instatement to active status. All decisions about re-instatement are in Gleaners' sole discretion. 
• Termination. Gleaners may terminate an Agency partnership if Gleaners determines that a serious violation has occurred or because of repeated violations. Upon termination, the member agency shall not be entitled to obtain Products from Gleaners. Any Agency whose partnership is terminated under this provision may not become a member agency of Gleaners for at least one (1) year after the termination and only after submitting a new membership application and satisfying all Gleaners' requirements for Member
• Resolution of Disputes. An Agency may request review of a suspension or termination by submitting a detailed written statement appealing the suspension or termination decision to the Gleaners Agency Relations Operations Manager within ten (10) business days of the notification of suspension or termination. The Gleaners' Agency Relations Manager will review timely submitted documentation from the Agency. The determination of the Gleaners Agency Relations Manager is final and binding. 
• Other Remedies. In addition to the remedies provided above, Gleaners may exercise any other rights available to it, whether arising under the Agency Agreement, under applicable law, or otherwise, in any manner it determines is appropriate. Gleaners may instruct an Agency to return all Products received from Gleaners. Gleaners shall take any action available to it, and may exercise or not exercise rights as it determines is appropriate under the circumstances.

Gleaners Food Safety & Storage Guidelines

1. Store food in secure, well-lit, and well-ventilated areas that are safeguarded against theft, spoilage or other losses, and intended for the use of the food distribution program.
2. Store food in sanitary conditions that are free from infestation.
3. Maintain a pest control plan.
4. Store food 6 inches off the floor on pallets or shelves, at all times.
5. Rotate all stock, using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices.
6. Protect food by storing chemical products (detergent, soap, bleach, shampoo, etc away from food.
7. Keep food stored away from clothing, furniture and pet supplies.
8. Ensure refrigeration and freezer units have functioning thermometers, are maintained at the appropriate temperatures, kept clean and free from ice build-up and are regularly reviewed using a temperature log.
   1. Refrigerators should not have a temperature above 40 degrees.
   2. Freezers should be maintained between -10 and 0 degrees.
9. Have a certified food handler present on-site when food is being received and distributed.
10. When transporting temperature-controlled (refrigerated or frozen) foods, a visible active temperature retention system (e.g., refrigerated vehicle) or a passive temperature retention system (e.g., insulated coolers or bags, thermal blankets, cambros) must be used.

If preparing or serving meals:

1. Have a certified managerial level food handler present on-site when food is being prepared and served.
2. Post sanitation, food handling, storage, and temperature charts in food preparation areas.
3. Use a three-step hot water washing system for dishes or cookware or power-heated industrial-type dishwasher.
4. Store loose packaged food (cornmeal, rice, beans, etc in pest resistant containers.

Examples of accepted food handler training include but are not limited to: ServSafe Food Handler, SafeMark Food Handler, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, StateFoodSafety.com, MSU Extension Pantry Food Safety.