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Accreditation Process

The OAFB's accreditation process continues to evolve as we grow and develop.  All member food banks participate in a simple accreditation process which requires them to complete reports on a regular basis including the following information: client profiles, client intake process, food safety and food handling, warehouse operations, human resources, service points and agencies, and public health inspection history. The content of these reports is reviewed with members during site visits.

Food banks across Ontario that apply for OAFB membership must meet guidelines as set out in our recently-revised Membership Policy as well as our Standards of Operation.  The Membership Application Form contains questions regarding the prospective member's operations, including: their formal charitable registration number; the number of hours the food bank is open to serve community members; which other food banks in their area they co-operate with; what their storage and refrigeration capabilities are; date of last health inspection and any deficiencies received at that time; as well as what types of public education and advocacy they engage in. Applicants must also provide a copy of their annual operating budget, a liste of the members of their Board of Directors, a copy of their organisational By-Laws and other policies, as well as a copy of their client intake form.  All of this information is studied closely when we consider accepting new members into our organisation, which generally takes place each quarter.

The OAFB's Membership Renewal Form was updated in 2008 so that it ensures increased member organisation accountability.  As well as the information requested above from applicants, members must also: report on the number of agencies served within their community; describe their food recall process in case of a food-related recall; list training opportunities that are offered to staff and volunteers; describe how their client's personal information is housed; as well as sign a separate section stating they will adhere to the OAFB’s Standards of Operation and Client Guidelines.

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