Comparing Products across Categories

These guidelines allow for comparison of products within a category. Within the charitable food system, important decisions are also made across product categories.

These product categories should be prioritized over mixed dishes, condiments, processed and packaged snacks and desserts when inventory is being purchased.

 

 

Breastfeeding Friendly

Food banks and food pantries can play a critical role in supporting breastfeeding families. Families with lower incomes tend to have reduced access to breastfeeding
support, and in some cases there may also be culturally held beliefs that create barriers to breastfeeding which result in prematurely ending breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has proven health benefits.

  • WHO recommends to place infant formula, as well as related feeding supplies, coupons, and promotional materials from infant formula manufacturers, out of view from clients.
  • Food banks are encouraged to include their breastfeeding accommodations as part of their written policies, and include volunteers wherever possible.

Special Diets

Food equity, or the practice of providing access to healthy food for all, includes addressing the needs of those with food allergies in the charitable food system. The eight most common allergies are milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

  • Food Bank volunteers will need training to identify and appropriately separate allergen-free foods by category.
  • Food banks need to be aware that Allergen-free items are often more expensive and budget appropriately.