Food Safety in the Heat

Summer is here, and it's been a hot one! We've had quite the heat wave, and it's essential for us all to remember the importance of food safety when it comes to beating this heat!

For many of our neighbors, food insecurity means having limited storage and cooking options, which can make food safety in the summer incredibly difficult. With extremely high temperatures, it's easier for food to spoil, and eating unsafe food can lead to illness, making an already difficult situation even harder.

Here are a few tips that can help keep your meals and family safe during the summer heat:

✅ Keep Cold Foods Cold
Refrigerate or freeze perishable items as soon as possible. Use insulated bags or coolers when picking up or transporting food from our distribution sites, especially in high heat.

✅ Avoid the Danger Zone
Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F. Don’t leave perishable food out for over 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s over 90°F outside).

✅ Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food, and be mindful of clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.

✅ Use a Thermometer
If possible, check that your refrigerator is at or below 40°F and your freezer at 0°F. When cooking, ensure meats reach safe internal temperatures.

✅ Be Mindful with Fresh Produce
Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking, and keep them separate from raw meats.

At the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, we are committed to ensuring that the food we distribute is safe, even during the summer heat. We work hard to maintain our cold storage and transport food quickly to protect the quality and nutrition of our neighbors.

Disclosure:
This post was edited with the assistance of an AI language model and reviewed by Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank staff for accuracy and clarity. Its content is based on the *insert data source if applicable* and reflects our organization's values and priorities.