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Public and Private schools, RCCIs, and approved state agencies that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) are eligible to receive food purchased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2010, USDA foods valued at over $25 million and totaling over 21 million pounds were allocated. Each month schools are in session, approximately two million pounds of USDA foods are distributed by the USDA Food Distribution section of Child Nutrition Services.
In 2010–11, 347 agencies were allocated USDA foods at the rate of $.2025
cents for each lunch served. They are able to select from a variety of dry,
canned, frozen, and fresh foods up to nine times during the year. These USDA
foods represent 20–25 percent of the value of all foods purchased for the school
lunch program. In cooperation with the Department of Defense, 45 agencies were
allocated $1,190,800 of USDA entitlement funds for the purchase of fresh fruit
and vegetables.
Food Distribution is funded through USDA State Administrative Expense (SAE)
funds and a state-administered revolving fund. Agencies are charged a fee to
cover storage, handling, and shipping. They also reimburse the state account for
processing costs paid to USDA processors who manufacture over 40 specific food
items for NSLP.
Effective July 1, 2009, OSPI Child Nutrition Services was given the authority
to establish a statewide purchasing cooperative for all public and private
schools and eligible agencies in Washington. The Child Nutrition Purchasing
Co-op (CNPC) will bid, order, and deliver food and supplies to preapproved
storage, distribution, or school district locations.
CNPC Purpose:
- Eliminate the administrative burden on the school districts and agencies by writing specifications and advertising for formal invitations for bids (IFB). This will include formal quotes (RFQ) or informal quotes with all procurement following federal and state requirements.
- Ensure that product specifications are written in order to guarantee nutritional integrity, maximum competition, and provide a variety of food and supply products utilized in Child Nutrition Programs.
- Reduce the cost of food and other supplies through volume purchasing directly from manufacturers to improve the financial health of all school districts, agencies, and distributors.
Simplified Summer Food Program (SSFP) sponsors also receive USDA foods based on 1.5 cents for each eligible meal served. Some Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) institutions receive cash-in-lieu for USDA foods.
Questions regarding the Food Distribution Program:
Skip Skinner, Food Distribution Program supervisor
(360) 725-6209
skip.skinner@k12.wa.us
Questions regarding User Authorization/Access to the On-line ordering system:
Zoe Romero
(360) 725-6105
zoe.romero@k12.wa.us
Questions regarding Commodity ordering:
Roen Pennington
(360) 725-6215
roen.pennington@k12.wa.us
For general questions or system access:
Debbie Stevens
Administrative Assistant III
(360) 725-6204
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