The Oregon Food Bank, of which SCFS is a member, is fully certified by Feeding America. As part of this certification process, SCFS undergoes regular inspections by Oregon Food Bank staff. OFB staff help keep the food bank in compliance with federal, state and industry guidelines for inventory control, best practices and sanitation. There are also periodic inspections by other entities relevant to food warehouses, e.g. health and fire departments and state and local agencies. The following are areas in which standards are set and monitored:
- Fresh/Frozen Storage: Certified affiliates of Feeding America meet standards for physical plant maintenance. Interior temperatures are controlled for optimal food storage conditions.
- Pests: Certified food banks comply with proper sanitation and food storage procedures, and are monitored regularly by experts in quality and pest control.
- Theft: Professional inventory control procedures are part of the standard operating procedures at the food bank. Staff members are professionally trained in proper handling of inventories. In addition, exacting recordkeeping systems are required for all America’s Second Harvest Food Banks.
- Illegal Resale: Certified food banks monitor product distribution closely. Agencies may order only the appropriate amounts necessary to supply the needs of their specific programs. Partner agencies and SCFS sign an agreement that describes their joint responsibilities in this area. This system helps ensure accountability of product use, thereby preventing product resale problems.
