Helping Safely — What You Need to Know

Potluck in the Park welcomes food donations prepared by volunteers, but to protect our guests and meet Oregon food-safety standards, home-prepared foods can only be accepted from volunteers who hold a valid Food Handler Card.

Getting certified is quick, easy, and affordable — and helps ensure every meal we serve is safe and sanitary.

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Serving Safely, With Care

Every home-prepared meal begins with safe practices and a shared commitment to protecting our guests.

Getting a Food Handler Card

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  • A Food Handler Card can be obtained online or in person.

  • It is valid for three years anywhere in Oregon.

  • Only one certified supervisor is required if a group prepares food together at the same location.

Learn more or apply online:
Multnomah County Food Handler Card

Before You Donate Home-Prepared Food

To meet health regulations, all volunteers who prepare food at home must:

  1. Hold a current Food Handler Card

  2. Provide proof of certification to Potluck before your food is accepted

  3. Review and sign our Volunteer Food Handler Checklist & Statement (one-time submission)

  4. Check in and complete the Home-Prepared Foods Log each time you bring food

These steps ensure that every volunteer understands safe food-handling practices and that Potluck maintains the required records.

Helpful Resources

Thank You

By following these steps, you help us continue our long tradition of serving safe, nourishing meals to Portland’s most vulnerable neighbors — with care, dignity, and community at heart.