HCM Food Priorities: Food Quality

Here at Haywood Christian Ministry, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality, healthy food. As one of the most basic needs for survival, quality food is central to our overall health and wellness. The food we eat affects our physical health, our energy levels, our mental and spiritual health, and even our relationships. Food shouldn’t simply be about survival but about showing our love in community. 

We have heard some people say that people who are hungry don’t care about the quality of their food, but we wholeheartedly disagree. Everyone should have the best, highest quality food that is available. We achieve this through: 

1. Robust food standards for rescued food.

2. Constant temperature monitoring

3. Local food procurement

Robust Food Standards

One of the realities of charitable food work is that we work with what is called “rescued” food. Rescued food is food that grocery stores or restaurants would throw away due to approaching use by dates. Many of these foods are still 100% safe and in good condition. To ensure safety? 

• Meats are immediately frozen before expiration

• Produce is culled in our warehouse, with spoiled goods being given to local pig farmers or composted and good produce being given away. 

• Canned or shelf stable goods are assessed for packaging damage (that can expedite spoilage or make them unsafe), and then if they are within guidelines provided by MANNA FoodBank, they are given away. 

In these ways we prevent edible food from being thrown away, but also ensure that our neighbors don’t receive food that is spoiled or unfit for consumption. 

Constant Temperature Monitoring

Additionally, we constantly monitor the temperature of our refrigeration systems and foods in transit. When transporting food from point A to point B, temperature controlled foods are always transported in a refrigerated vehicle. If a refrigerated vehicle is not available or if the load is too large for our vans, the food is transported in coolers or under blankets specifically designed to maintain the temperature of foods (+ or - 1 degree per hour). 

As an added layer of protection, we check the temperature of all foods at the time of pickup and at the time of arrival at our warehouse. That way we can ensure that no foods have come out of temperature making them unsafe. 

Local Food Procurement

And, of course, one of the best ways to ensure the highest quality of food is available to our neighbors is by purchasing fresh and local food. Through special funding streams, we purchase locally grown or produced foods, at market rate, to distribute to our neighbors. This way, we ensure the highest quality and the utmost safety. At the time of writing, about 14% of our food is locally grown!