4-H Food Stand shift sign up is open

Helpful information for a successful 4-H food stand shift

The Swift County 4-H Federation operates a food stand annually at the Swift County Fair. All enrolled 4-H families are required to work one shift in the food stand. This sheet will explain the “5 W’s” of the Food Stand. 

Why is the 4-H food stand important?

While there are many reasons the food stand is important the big two are:

1. To raise money for the operation of the 4-H program during the year.

   With funds raised, Swift County 4-H can provide quality youth development, safe and nutritious food and offer a variety of educational activities at a reduced cost. The funds also help offset the cost of county and state fairs and other competitive events and programs.

2. Youth Development
   Youth gain invaluable skills through hands-on experiences. 
   • Provides youth an experience in the food service industry. They will learn how to work with the public as well as prepare food in a safe way.
   • Allows youth to gain skills: following directions, serving the public and being responsible.
   • Builds self-esteem
   • Promotes 4-H to the community
   • Shows your pride in 4-H
   • Shows donors that 4-H is willing to raise funds in addition to the many donations received.

To be eligible to receive monetary support for 4-H programs and events, participation in fruit sales and working in the 4-H Food Stand at the county fair is required. (This applies to 4-H members earning a state fair or state show trip)
 

Who operates the 4-H food stand?

The Swift County 4-H food stand is run and organized by the Swift County 4-H Federation, which is made up of all enrolled Swift County 4-H members and their families (all of you!).

Each year, the Federation also hires a Food Stand Manager whose responsibility is ordering food/supplies, recording keeping and inventory, preparations, supervising shifts and ensuring food safety protocols are followed, and evaluation. The Swift County 4-H Advisory Board, a committee of elected adults and youth, also provides support to the manager.

No more than 14 people will work in the food stand at any given time. Shift teams larger than this are too crowded. At least 8 members each shift should be over the age of 12 and members under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult with them during their shift.
 

What is expected of me to make the 4-H food stand a success?

All 4-H food stand workers contribute to the success. Here is what you can do to ensure that:

1. Sign up for a food stand shift. There are 15 shifts to choose from Thursday-Sunday of the county fair.
2. Wear clean clothes–remember you are preparing food! Clothes that are dirty or have been worn around livestock or pets should be changed, including footwear with manure on them.
3. Ensure your hair is restrained. You will need to wear a hat or a hair net. All long hair must be pulled back.
4. Wear closed toe shoes. Open toed sandals and crocs are not allowed in the kitchen area.
5. Sign in. Take credit for being there by signing in in the book on the counter near the cash register.
6. Work collaboratively and cooperatively. Have fun with your fellow 4-H friends!
    

What kind of jobs are available in the food stand?

There are many jobs and jobs for all ages! *This is not an exhaustive list of duties.