Applicants sought to review Produce Safety University course

A cooperative agreement between Produce Safety University and the USDA is providing institutes of higher education and nonprofits the opportunity to review PSU’s child nutrition course.

PSU is an experiential learning program that trains child nutrition professionals to safely serve fresh produce in school melas. Since 2010, more than 1,650 participants have graduated from the course and gone on to train more than 70,000 people, according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

The FNS is entering into an agreement for up to $600,000 with a selected applicant to evaluate the PSU course, the effectiveness of its curriculum and the impact of its graduates who train peers on produce safety practices.

Eligible entities include public- and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Organizations must demonstrate successful completion of rigorous research through publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Applications are due by August 21 and are available online. For more information, contact grant office Patrice Williams at patrice. [email protected]

In addition, PSU is offering a continuing education webinar about everyday food safety practices on Sept. 12. “Too Cool for School,” covering practices for walk-in coolers, thermometers and produce cooling, will feature PSU instructors who will answer questions on topics related to produce quality and safety, procurement and preparation.

Registration information will be announced.