The Ethical Food Banking Code
Preface
Food Banks Canada, its Members (provincial associations), Affiliate Member food banks, and associated agencies believe that everyone in Canada has the right to physical and economic access at all times, to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences.
The Ethical Food Banking Code
Food Banks Canada, its member (provincial associations), Affiliate Member food banks, and associated agencies will:
- Provide food and other assistance to those needing help regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, income source, age, mental or physical ability.
- Treat all those who access services with the utmost dignity and respect.
- Implement best practices in the proper and safe storage and handling food.
- Respect the privacy of those served and will maintain the confidentiality of personal information.
- Not require payment of any kind for donated food or consumer product, at any time, from those assisted by their perspective programs.
- Acquire and share food in a spirit of cooperation with other food banks and programs.
- Strive to make the public aware of the existence of hunger, and of the factors that contribute to it.
- Recognize that food banks are not a viable long-term response to hunger and devote part of their activities to reducing the need for food assistance.
- Respect accurately, honestly, and completely their respective missions and activities to the larger community.
- Any discussion surrounding a client’s personal situation is strictly prohibited.
Chestermere Regional Food Bank volunteers do willingly promise to hold in confidence all personal matters that come to their attention in the line of duty with the CRFB. This includes material from and about any person involved in or associated with the Food Bank. They will respect and uphold the privacy of the people with whom they are in contact and conduct their duties in a responsible and respectful manner.