Overview

This document outlines the expectations and best approach for stories and submissions to the FSIS Food for Thought (FFT) weekly newsletter.  While word and character counts are provided, they will be treated as a general guideline or target for each type of submission.  The FFT editorial staff will use their judgement and flexibility to ensure each submission is presented in the best way possible while keeping the length of the overall newsletter within reason.

Types of Content

• A Feature Story (1 per week) – messages from leadership, special observances, new initiatives or program, Faces of Food Safety, etc.; maximum 250 words with a link for longer version or more information if needed; includes a visual or photo.
• Secondary Stories (a few/several per week) – employee or program submissions that tout accomplishments, community service, connections or teamwork, significant observances, or other articles that help tell our stories as an agency; 100-150 words with optional photos.
• Announcements (as many as are timely for that week) – routine announcements that fit into grouped categories; 70-80 words maximum (roughly 400 characters); short but descriptive title with a call to action; visuals a plus to help different items stand out.
• Permanent Features
  • Link to job opportunities
  • Link to benefits
  • FSISFeedback@usda.gov
  • Information for subscribing with personal email address
  • Submission instructions

Submission Process

• Announcements and stories should be submitted to program contacts (see below) for review and clearance.
• Program submissions are due by noon Eastern each Tuesday, they will go out in a weekly email each Thursday afternoon.
• Approved submissions should be emailed to the FFT staff using FSISNewsletters@usda.gov by Tuesday at noon Eastern.
• The OPACE FFT team reviews and compiles submissions into newsletter template and follow up with program contacts if there are any questions or concerns about a submission.
• Food for Thought goes out each Thursday afternoon.
• Emergency announcements and user notices that fall outside the scope of the newsletter will be handled as an exception and sent out through a traditional user notice.  Emergency announcements are defined as announcements that impact the security or safety of our staff, or items that affect the ability for staff to effectively do their work (network/environmental issues, etc.).

Program Contacts for Submissions

• OFO – Submissions should be cleared by your supervisor before being submitted.
• OPPD – Submissions should be cleared by your supervisor before being submitted.
• OPHS – Tracy Legall
• OPARM – Submissions should be cleared by your supervisor before being submitted.
• OIEA – Robert Bane, Carlynne Cockrum, Michelle Long, Scott Safian, Valeria Neris, Mark Crowe, Keith Gilmore, or Juan Rodriguez
• OCIO – LeighAnn Acree
• OM – Corinne Calhoun, Yolanda Chambers, or James Lott
• OCFO – Michelle Garner, Michael Toner, Christine Turner, or Jatona Hatcher
• OEED – Stephanie Wilkins for training and Valeria Green for engagement
• OIC – Submissions should be cleared by your supervisor before being submitted.