Senior center hosting food safety workshop
Fair booths, church dinners, fire company chicken barbecues, booster club hoagie sales, organizational bake sales…Nonprofit food fund-raisers are an excellent way to socialize with the community while earning money for organizational activities.
However, just one food borne illness or outbreak can ruin your organization’s future success.
Few people know that Norovirus is the leading cause of food-borne disease outbreaks according to Carolyn Wissenbach, Penn State Extension Educator, yet simple precautions as hand washing, using hand sanitizers, staying home when sick, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, and not preparing food when sick can help reduce one’s risk of acquiring or spreading Norovirus,
In 2008 alone over 300 people became ill from food purchased at Pennsylvania nonprofit food fund raisers.
“Now is the time for volunteers to be trained to assure organizations are using safe food preparation practices to avoid a food borne outbreak at their event,” said Wissenbach. “Non-profit groups need to understand proper techniques and why food safety has become a statewide concern.”
In cooperation with the Carmichaels Senior Center, Penn State Extension will offer a Cooking for Crowds food safety workshop for non-profit groups on Monday, March 26 at 6 p.m. at the Carmichaels Senior Center. The Cooking for Crowds curriculum offers practical food safety strategies for nonprofit organizations. Non-profit groups from throughout the county are encouraged to attend. This food safety training meets the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for non-profits. There is a small free for the program which includes a thermometer and manual For more information or to register call the Greene County Extension office at 724-627-3745.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, contact the extension office, 724-627-3745, in advance of your participation or visit.