Food is Safe Here

(FISH) Initiative

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), in partnership with the Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation (RAMEF), administers the Food is Safe Here (FISH) Initiative. The FISH Initiative is an ongoing program of food safety training options and resources for school food service personnel in Maryland that participate in federally funded Child Nutrition Programs.

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Food Safety in Child Care

The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) offers a free online course, Food Safety in Child Care, available on the ICN iLearn website. The MSDE Office of Child Care (OCC) has approved this course for 4 COK hours in health, safety, and nutrition. Child Care program operators in Maryland are encouraged to visit the MSDE OCC training webpage for more information about current training options and requirements. Click on “Free Trainings” located on the right side of the page in the “Trainings” menu to view all approved ICN online courses.

Food Safety in Child Care

Food Safety for School Nutrition

ServSafe Manager Training and Certification is a nationally recognized food safety credential in the foodservice industry. The audience for this training includes School Nutrition Managers, Supervisors, Directors, and others required to receive a minimum of 8 hours of Food Safety Training for the USDA Professional Standards training requirements. This course meets or exceeds the requirements for local jurisdictions that require food service certification for managers.

Food Safety for School Nutrition