Earlier this year, the CA Food Hub Network hosted a three-part regulatory compliance training series for food hubs, led by Food Connects’ Director of Strategic Partnerships and Compliance, McKenna Hayes. The series brought together 54 participants representing 37 organizations across California, reflecting a growing need for clear, practical compliance support across regional food systems.
For food hubs, aggregators, and small distributors, compliance can feel complicated, especially as regulations shift and operational requirements become more detailed. Through Food Connects’ Technical Assistance Program, McKenna has been helping food hubs understand how regulations apply to their specific business models, strengthen internal systems, and prepare for certification and audit processes without starting from scratch. This approach builds on Food Connects’ own compliance experience and its work supporting other hubs through peer learning, training, templates, and one-on-one assistance.
Watch the Training Recordings
Overview of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
FSMA is a law regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration that is designed to prevent food safety issues. It applies to farms that grow fresh produce and facilities that handle, process, pack, or hold human food. This training provides a general overview of FSMA and what it means for a food hub or aggregation operation.
Vendor Onboarding
Strong vendor onboarding systems help food hubs collect and maintain the documentation needed to support compliance across their supply chains. This training covers what information to collect from growers and producers, how often documentation should be updated, and sample onboarding materials that can help hubs strengthen their internal processes.
Organic Compliance & Certification
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule, published by the USDA National Organic Program on January 19, 2023, affects food hubs and aggregation businesses that handle or sell certified organic foods. This training covers how organic regulations apply to food hubs and aggregators, along with key steps for pursuing organic certification.
These recordings offer accessible, practical guidance for food hubs and aggregation businesses working to better understand compliance requirements, strengthen documentation systems, and support trusted regional supply chains.
To learn more about Food Connects’ Technical Assistance Program or connect with McKenna Hayes about compliance support, visit Food Connects’ Technical Assistance Program page.