Run Food Pantry Mobile Pantry Pre-Distribution Setup — Free

Truck Arrival & Food Safety Verification

Delivery truck has arrived at the designated site and is positioned for safe unloading critical (required)

Confirm the truck is on-site, parked safely, and accessible for unloading without blocking traffic or pedestrian paths.

Yes No N/A

Truck arrival time

Record the actual truck arrival time for documentation and partner reporting.

Refrigerated/frozen product internal temperature at unloading (°F) critical (required)

Measure temperature of refrigerated items upon unloading. FDA Food Code 2022 §3-501.14: cold TCS foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Frozen product shows no signs of thawing or refreezing (no ice crystals, pooled liquid, or soft texture) critical (required)

Inspect frozen items for evidence of temperature abuse. Refrozen product must be quarantined and reported to the food bank.

Yes No N/A

Photo evidence (optional)

Dry/shelf-stable product boxes are intact — no visible pest damage, moisture, or broken seals

Visually inspect all cartons and packaging. Damaged or compromised product must be set aside and not distributed.

Yes No N/A

Manifest or packing list matches product received (quantities verified)

Cross-check the delivery manifest against actual product on the truck. Document any discrepancies for the food bank.

Yes No N/A

Volunteer Readiness & Role Assignment

Total number of volunteers present and checked in

Count all volunteers on-site before distribution opens. Minimum staffing levels are set by your food bank partner agreement.

Minimum required volunteer count is met per site plan critical (required)

Confirm total volunteers present meets or exceeds the minimum required for this site's distribution model (drive-through, walk-up, etc.).

Yes No N/A

All volunteer roles are assigned (unloading, traffic, client intake, distribution, allergen spotter)

Verify each station is staffed: truck unloading, traffic/crowd control, client check-in, food distribution, and allergen information.

Yes No N/A

Volunteers have received pre-distribution safety and role briefing

Confirm a briefing was conducted covering food safety, client interaction, emergency procedures, and civil rights responsibilities.

Yes No N/A

Volunteers handling food are wearing appropriate PPE (gloves, hair restraints where applicable)

Per FDA Food Code 2022 §3-304.15, single-use gloves must be worn when handling ready-to-eat foods. Hair restraints required for open food handling.

Yes No N/A

Site Setup & Traffic / Crowd Flow

Traffic cones, signage, or barriers are in place to direct vehicle and pedestrian flow critical (required)

Confirm directional markers are set up to separate incoming/outgoing vehicles and pedestrian queues from vehicle lanes.

Yes No N/A

Client queue area is clearly marked and does not obstruct public roadways or emergency access routes critical (required)

Ensure waiting areas are contained within the site footprint and emergency vehicle access is unobstructed per NFPA 1 §18.2 fire lane requirements.

Yes No N/A

Accessible service pathway is available for clients with mobility limitations (ADA-compliant route)

Verify at least one accessible route exists from the parking/drop-off area to the distribution point, free of obstacles.

Yes No N/A

Distribution tables and stations are set up and stocked prior to opening

Confirm all food distribution stations are fully set up, product is organized, and volunteers are at their stations before the first client arrives.

Yes No N/A

Hand hygiene station (handwashing or hand sanitizer) is accessible to volunteers at each distribution station

Per FDA Food Code 2022 §6-301.11, adequate handwashing facilities or alcohol-based hand sanitizer (≥60% ethanol) must be accessible at food handling points.

Yes No N/A

Allergen Labeling & Food Safety Communication

All pre-packaged food items have legible manufacturer labels including ingredient and allergen statements critical (required)

Per FDA FALCPA (21 USC §343(w)) and the FASTER Act of 2021, packaged foods must declare all Big 9 allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

Yes No N/A

Allergen information sheet or signage is posted at distribution stations listing common allergens in distributed items

Provide a visible allergen summary at each station so clients can make informed choices. Include items containing the Big 9 allergens.

Yes No N/A

Photo evidence (optional)

At least one volunteer per station is briefed and able to answer client questions about allergens in distributed food

Designate an allergen-informed volunteer at each station. They should know which items contain the Big 9 allergens and how to direct clients with severe allergies.

Yes No N/A

Items with missing, damaged, or illegible labels are removed from distribution and quarantined critical (required)

Any product without a readable label must not be distributed. Set aside and document for return to the food bank.

Yes No N/A

Civil Rights & Regulatory Posting Compliance

USDA 'And Justice For All' non-discrimination poster is posted in a conspicuous location visible to all clients critical (required)

Required for all USDA food program partners (TEFAP, SNAP-Ed, CSFP). The poster must be displayed in English and, where applicable, in the language of the predominant client population. Ref: 7 CFR Part 15.

Yes No N/A

Photo evidence (optional)

Non-discrimination statement is included on any printed materials distributed to clients (flyers, intake forms)

Per USDA FNS civil rights requirements, all printed materials must include the standard non-discrimination statement or a reference to it.

Yes No N/A

Client intake process does not require documentation that would unlawfully restrict access (e.g., no ID or address proof required unless permitted by program rules) critical (required)

USDA civil rights rules prohibit barriers to access based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal. Verify intake procedures comply with program-specific eligibility rules only.

Yes No N/A

Language access resources are available for clients with limited English proficiency (translated materials or interpreter available)

Per Executive Order 13166 and USDA FNS guidance, meaningful access must be provided to LEP individuals. Confirm translated signage or a bilingual volunteer is present if the service area has a significant LEP population.

Yes No N/A

Complaint procedure information is available to clients (how to file a civil rights complaint with USDA)

Clients must be informed of their right to file a civil rights complaint. This information is typically included on the 'And Justice For All' poster or a separate handout.

Yes No N/A

Final Coordinator Sign-Off

Open deficiencies or non-conformances identified during this inspection

List any items that failed or were flagged during this inspection, including the corrective action taken or planned before or during distribution.

Distribution is cleared to open critical (required)

Coordinator confirms all critical items have passed (or critical deficiencies have been resolved) and distribution may begin.

Yes No N/A

Distribution open time

Record the actual time distribution opened to clients.

Coordinator signature

Site coordinator signature certifying that this pre-distribution checklist was completed accurately and all critical requirements were met before opening.

Get your results

Enter your email — we'll send you a PDF of your filled-out template, plus the occasional MangoScoop newsletter (templates, workflow tips, product updates). Unsubscribe anytime — link is in every email.

Email (required)

Your name (optional)

Run: Food Pantry Mobile Pantry Pre-Distribution Setup

Truck Arrival & Food Safety Verification

Volunteer Readiness & Role Assignment

Site Setup & Traffic / Crowd Flow

Allergen Labeling & Food Safety Communication

Civil Rights & Regulatory Posting Compliance

Final Coordinator Sign-Off

Get your results