My
contact there was kind enough to investigate for me and then told me that the USDA had apparently revised its policy and that «districts may now release leftover
food to charitable nonprofit organizations under the following conditions...» I've attached these conditions in a Word document here but to summarize, a district has to (1) take care not to create
waste in the first place by over-ordering; (2) be sure that health codes are followed, and (3) enter into what looks like a pretty standard written agreement
with the charity.
On steps to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease, Idris urged residents to «avoid
contact with rats, ensure proper collection and disposal of
waste, cover all
foods including left - overs and water properly, wash their hands properly before and after cooking of
foods, block all rat hideouts and store
food items in rodent - proof containers.»