Oregon Child Nutrition Programs COVID-19 Response and Resources

Existing USDA Foods inventories can and should be utilized in your feeding operations. Many food distributors are reporting shortages of grab n go type food items. It may be more feasible to order in bulk and re-package. Re-packaging could be in baggies, pc cups, paper/plastic bags, etc. Hot foods may be packaged and served in grab-n-go situations. It is important to have instructions telling families that these items should be consumed within 2 hours or refrigerated to 41 degrees or below and then re-heated to 165 degrees when ready for consumption.

ODE has posted pictures of school district submitted photos of to-go options utilizing USDA Foods on the USDA Foods Best Practices ​web page. ODE has compiled a list of Grab-N-Go end products from USDA Foods processors. Existing USDA Foods inventory balances can be used while saving the school money during the COVID-19 crisis: List of available Grab-N-Go end products​

USDA Foods can be given to other sponsors or donated to the Oregon Food Bank/local food bank if the sponsor is unable to utilize. Many USDA Foods have extended shelf life, please keep this in mind before sharing or donating.

For questions related to USDA Foods, you can contact the following staff directly:

• Damasita Sanchez - 503-947-5625 or damasita.sanchez@ode.oregon.gov​
• Beatrice Cameron - 503-400-5245 or beatrice.cameron@ode.oregon.gov