Insurance September Spotlight: Food Safety Education Awareness

Kayla Williams
Sep 1
2 min read

As the days grow shorter and fall routines begin, September also brings an important reminder--Food Safety Education Month. It’s the perfect time to refresh our knowledge about safe food handling, preparation, and storage to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities healthy.

Why Food Safety Matters

Each year, millions of people experience foodborne illnesses, often from bacteria, viruses, or improper food handling. While many cases are mild, some can lead to serious health complications—especially for children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The good news? Most foodborne illnesses are preventable with simple, everyday habits.

Four Steps to Safer Food

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommend four key steps:

Clean – Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often. Don’t forget fruits and vegetables!
Separate – Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods.
Cook – Use a food thermometer to ensure foods reach safe internal temperatures.
Chill – Refrigerate leftovers promptly—within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if it’s above 90°F outside.

Back-to-School & Fall Gatherings

September also marks back-to-school season and the start of fall festivities. Packing safe lunches for kids and keeping potluck dishes at the right temperatures are just as important as choosing nutritious options. When in doubt, remember the saying: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Spreading Awareness

Food safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re preparing meals at home, working in food service, or organizing a community event, taking time to refresh safe practices helps protect everyone.

This September, let’s commit to staying informed and teaching others the importance of food safety. By doing so, we can enjoy the season’s flavors—safely and with peace of mind.

A Note from Northwoods Insurance

At Northwoods Insurance, we believe that protecting your health starts with the everyday choices we make—like practicing food safety. Just as you take steps to safeguard your family’s well-being in the kitchen, we’re here to help you protect what matters most in life.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy the season!