Today it's more important than ever that school foodservice operators create and implement proactive and comprehensive emergency preparedness policies and procedures. Such steps will help school nutrition professionals work with community leaders to develop effective response plans and strategies designed to protect the health and safety of its residents.

Emergency preparedness encompasses a wide range of potential incidents, including natural disasters, intentional acts of violence, food recalls, and food defense (the prevention of the intentional contamination of food, also known as "food security"). Prompt and effective response in the face of such emergencies will require a thorough plan