The Vermont Foodbank strives to offer courses and trainings for network partners that are pertinent to their work. If your organization has a topic of interest that would build your capacity or strengthen your ability to serve your customers, and if you have at least 5 staff, volunteers, board members, or community members who would participate, please contact Amy Davidson at adavidson@vtfoodbank.org to see if the Foodbank could create a workshop or training just right for you.

Please note, classes that are offered as a webinar or online, require access to a phone line and a high speed (DSL or faster) internet connection.

This workshop is offered on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. via Zoom.

New network partner agencies are required to attend the Vermont Foodbank Orientation. Orientation is also open to new staff, volunteers or board members of existing network partner agencies; folks just needing a refresher are most welcome to attend. The Orientation covers the benefits and requirements of network partnership and information about how to place, edit, and submit Vermont Foodbank product orders.

To operate a successful food shelf/pantry or meal site, food safety must be a top priority. Vermont Foodbank Network Partners are required to maintain food safety training certification tailored to the type of programs and services offered. When trained representatives leave the organization, or the certification expires, food safety training must be promptly renewed or completed by new staff or volunteer leaders.

Vermont Foodbank's Food Safety Course is an online, self-led training that covers the basics of food shelf food safety. This training fulfills the food safety requirement for Network Partner agencies that distribute food but do not prepare, cook, or serve meals. Agencies that also operate meal sites should refer to the Meal Site Partners training section below.

Each Network Partner agency is required to have at least two representatives complete the Vermont Foodbank Food Safety Course and pass the exam associated with the training. It is recommended that the individuals who hold primary responsibility for managing the pantry such as key staff or volunteer leaders complete this training. This course is free to Vermont Foodbank's Program and Network Partners and volunteers.

When a trained representative leaves the organization or when a certification expires, food safety training must be renewed or completed by new staff or volunteer leaders as soon as possible. The Vermont Foodbank Food Safety Course certification is valid for five years.

At least one representative from each Network Partner agency that prepares and serves meals is required to complete an accredited Food Safety Manager course and pass the exam associated with the program. The staff member or volunteer that holds the primary responsibility of managing food preparations and service should receive the training. When trained representative leaves the organization, or the certification expires, food safety training must be promptly renewed or completed by new staff or volunteer leaders. Once certified, email your certificate to our Network Relations Manager at csugarman@vtfoodbank.org.
We do not provide Food Safety Manager trainings or exams. To obtain or renew your Food Manager Certificate, we recommend:

• ServSafe Food Manager - You can take both the training and exam online or select the “Find a Class” tab at ServSafe.com under the “ServSafe Manager” tab and select “Food Safety Manager Training and Exam” to find a local class.
• Responsible Training is a cost-effective online training course and exam option.