Safe Food For the Hungry - II

National News Release

September 29, 1995

Oct. 12 videoconference examines safety at food pantries

   WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, 
Meals on Wheels and similar groups serve millions of hungry Americans.
   "Safe Food for the Hungry-II," a national videoconference produced by 
Purdue University's Cooperative Extension Service, will address not-for-
profit food assistance organizations' special needs. The free 
videoconference, which airs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time, Oct. 12,
will emphasize food safety, nutrition and volunteer management. Advance 
registration is required.
   "There are two levels of benefit to this program," said April Mason, 
Purdue  Extension food and nutrition specialist. "Staff and volunteers 
of not-for-profit food organizations will learn to provide safer, more 
nutritious food for the hungry of our nation. And people who are in 
need, who are hungry, will receive safe, nutritious food."
   Conference participants will learn how to identify and avoid the food 
safety problems that are most likely to occur in their operations. They 
also will discuss training and best use of the talents of volunteers.
   Indianapolis chef Jean Paison will outline creative meal plans that make 
use of foods such as corn meal, which are commonly found in food banks. 
Mason will follow Paison's presentation with information on nutrition 
and the food guide pyramid.