Coming soon!
Course Description:
This comprehensive Second Harvest Food Safety Certification course is designed to equip food handlers, kitchen staff and food service professionals within non-profit and charitable food program environments with the essential knowledge and skills to ensure food is prepared, stored and served safely. The course is approved by the Ministry of Health and is deemed to be equivalent to certifications offered by Ontario public health units.
Upon successful completion of the course and final assessment (receiving a minimum grade of 75%), participants will receive a recognized Food Safety Certification, valid for five years.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Pre-requisite: This course is offered in English. To support full participation and understanding, participants should have a basic level of English reading, writing and listening skills.
Format: In-Person (only in Greater Toronto Area)
Program Objectives:
- Recognize the critical role of food safety in public health
- Describe the importance of proper hand hygiene and food handling
- Explain methods for preventing bacterial growth in food
- Identify the proper use and care of food thermometers
- Describe the purpose and principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system
- Outline the steps of the food handling process
- Explain appropriate cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting procedures
- Describe strategies for pest prevention and control in the kitchen environment
- Demonstrate an understanding of food contamination
Course Structure:
Participants will attend lecture and practice activities with a group of students and our instructor. Afterwards, participants will be assessed through a close-booked multiple-choice exam. Within 10 business days, participants will be emailed their test results, digital certificates and wallet cards.
Location:
Training sessions can be offered at Second Harvest Headquarters (120 The East Mall, Etobicoke, ON) or at your preferred off-site location.
Group Booking:
If you would like to register more than 15 individuals, you may be eligible to host a shared training session on a date and at an off-site location of your preference.
To be eligible, we require hosts to have:
- A room that can hold a minimum of 25 students and one instructor
- Tables and chairs for 25 students and one instructor
- A working projector/screen and HDMI cord
- A minimum reservation of 15 students
Any unreserved spots will be open to nearby non-profit organization members within our Second Harvest network.
Cost:
Internal non-profit organization (e.g., members of the Delivery & Pick-Up Program and/or Food Rescue App)
- $20 per student
- $25 per student (host) + $15 one-time travel fee
External non-profit organization not registered in our Second Harvest network
How to Register:
Email us at training@secondharvest.ca to inquire about our next scheduled training date.
We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all students. If you have a disability or condition that may require accommodation, please inform us during your registration.
Refund Policy:
Participants can request refunds seven days before the event.
Replacement Certification Card:
If you require another copy of your digital certificate, please contact training@secondharvest.ca with details including first and last name, the email address used for course registration and date of when the course was taken. A service fee of $5 will be charged.
Customer Support:
For more information, contact us at training@secondharvest.ca. We are available Monday to Friday during regular business hours.