top shelf handbook
DESCRIPTION
Top Shelf is a unique training program that equips nonprofit and faith-based organizations with the tools they need to operate a model feeding program. Organizations that complete the Top Shelf training series, or demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge, will be eligible for numerous benefits.TRANSCRIPT
12
Hannah Hawkins, Children of Mine
Representative,
Israel CME Church
Janie McKay, Luther Rice
Neighborhood Center
Representative,
Little Sisters of the Poor
Representative,
There’s Hope Christian Church
Taking your program to the next level of service
2
Everybody can be great. Because anybody can
serve. You don't have to have a college degree to
serve. You don't have to make your subject and
your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know
the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to
serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul
generated by love.
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
11
I’ve completed all Top Shelf trainings.
Now what?
Please submit the Top Shelf Completion Form to
the Partner Relations Manager. Top Shelf forms may be accessed from the below website.
http://partners.capitalareafoodbank.org/TopShelf
After the Top Shelf Completion Form is received, the Capital Area Food Bank will schedule a
capacity assessment at your site.
I have more questions. Who should I
contact?
Please contact the Partner Relations Manager at 202-526-5344 or [email protected].
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have!
10
Top Shelf FAQs
Who/what gets Top Shelf accreditation?
Top Shelf accreditation is for feeding programs and not individuals.
Do I have to take all Top Shelf trainings?
Not necessarily. Multiple individuals from your feeding program can split up the trainings
amongst themselves. In addition, there are test-out options for feeding programs that already
possess the skills, knowledge, abilities provided in the Top Shelf workshops. (See pages 8-9 for
more information.)
When will Top Shelf trainings be offered?
Top Shelf trainings will be offered 2-3 times per
year.
How do I find out about Top Shelf trainings?
These trainings will be advertised through the
Agency Achievement Academy, the weekly e-newsletter, the online ordering page and other
venues.
3
Table of Contents
What is Top Shelf? Page 4
Top Shelf benefits Page 5
Acquiring Top Shelf accreditation Page 6
Top Shelf training curriculum Page 7
Top Shelf test-out options Pages 8-9
Top Shelf FAQs Page 10
Updated on 4.25.11
4
What is Top Shelf?
The Top Shelf training program is a series of workshops that will increase
capacity and allow your program to serve more clients.
The goal of the Top Shelf training program is to provide Capital Area Food Bank member partners with the
resources to begin and sustain emergency feeding programs. The Top Shelf series consists of seven
workshops that provide a solid foundation for emergency feeding programs that are seeking to improve their
operations. Organizations that participate in Top Shelf trainings and receive Top Shelf certification will have
access to numerous benefits (page 5).
It is important to note, however, that each organization has different strengths, weaknesses, and goals. As such,
Top Shelf accreditation merely indicates that an organization is striving to improve its operations and
efficiency. Top Shelf accreditation will in no way be used
to compare organizations.
9
Everyday Safe Food Handling
Demonstrate safe food handling training in past
year OR submit a copy of Safe Food Handling Manager certificate
Describe how program has implemented safe food handling best practices into its operations.
Volunteer Recruitment and Management
Provide a brief description of the volunteer program, including who is in charge and what
types of volunteer positions are available. Describe program’s volunteer recruitment and
retention efforts.
Organizations may not test out of the below
Top Shelf workshops
Distribution Basics
Nutrition 101 More Than Food: Wrap-Around Services
8
Top Shelf Test-Out Procedure
Introduction to Nonprofit Finances
Submit a copy of feeding program’s statement of
activities, balance sheet, and/or budget. Indicate who is in charge of financial
record-keeping and describe how these records are used to develop the budget and other
financial documents.
Introduction to Program Development and
Evaluation
Submit a case statement or narrative section of a
recent grant. Describe program goals, including the program’s
measureable outcomes. Describe process for evaluating the
above-described outcomes.
In order to demonstrate that your organization already
possesses the skills, knowledge, and abilities provided in
the workshops, please submit the Top Shelf test-out form
and supporting documents. Top Shelf test-out forms are
located at:
http://partners.capitalareafoodbank.org/TopShelf
or can be obtained by e-mailing
5
Top Shelf Benefits
Increased knowledge and skills with relevant and
immediate application to your program
Access to special CAFB grant opportunities
Access to CAFB’s special programs and
pilot projects
Special recognition and promotion
Accreditation as a “Top Shelf” feeding program—a
definite advantage when submitting grant proposals
Completing the Top Shelf training curriculum provides
numerous benefits for your food distribution program
6
1. Complete the Top Shelf training curriculum,
as described on page 7. The entire Top Shelf curriculum will
be offered 2-3 times per year. It is not required that the same individual from your organization complete all of the
trainings. The trainings may be divided up between
multiple individuals involved in your feeding program.
Note: Programs that possess sufficient skills, knowledge,
and abilities may opt to test-out of some Top Shelf workshops. For more information, see pages 8-9.
2. Submit the Top Shelf Completion Form to CAFB.
All final reporting forms will be reviewed immediately
following each Top Shelf series. The final Top Shelf reporting form is located at:
http://partners.capitalareafoodbank.org/TopShelf
or can be obtained by e-mailing [email protected]
After the Top Shelf Completion Form is received, the
Capital Area Food Bank will schedule a capacity assessment at your site.
3. Receive Top Shelf benefits!
See page 5 for more details.
How does my organization get
Top Shelf accreditation?
7
Introduction to Nonprofit Finances
Overview of nonprofit accounting
terms Linking basic record-keeping to
financial management
Financial forms (statement of
activities, balance sheet, budget)
Introduction to Pro-gram Development
and Evaluation
Needs assessments
Linking program goals and outcomes
Developing measureable outcomes
Evaluating the program’s benefit to
the larger organization
Distribution Basics
Different distribution models (client
choice, blended distributions, pre-packed)
Basic program development
Featuring a panel of CAFB
partner organizations
Nutrition 101 Overview of healthy, nutritious foods
Meal-planning for feeding programs
Promoting healthy foods and meals
to clients
CAFB nutrition resources
More than Food: Wrap-Around Services
Developing successful partnerships
Community needs assessments
Featuring a panel of outside
organizations and CAFB resources
Volunteer Recruitment and Management
Volunteer position descriptions
Volunteer recruitment techniques
Increasing volunteer impact
Everyday ServSafe Cleaning and sanitization
Storing food safely and pest control
Temperature control
Proper personal hygiene
Top Shelf Training Curriculum