Overview
As School Food Authorities (SFAs) plan on what products to order for USDA Foods for the next school year, delivery options and storage capacities should be considered.
Delivery
In November, SFAs should start planning how they will receive delivery of USDA Foods for the next school year. All delivery decisions should be finalized by the time the USDA Foods Annual Order Survey for the next school year opens (in February).
- For USDA Foods Direct Delivery (Brown Box) or State Processing (C Code) Products, SFAs select and submit one of these delivery options during the Annual Order Survey in February:
- Delivery by a State-contracted carrier (currently Midwest Perishable Industries); or
- Delivery by your SFA’s contracted commercial distributor.
Wisconsin DPI Guidance
- For USDA DoD Fresh Produce, all deliveries are made by the DoD Fresh Produce provider. For more information about delivery, refer to DoD Fresh Produce FAQ webpage.
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For Direct Diversion and Cheese Rebate end products, all deliveries are made by your SFA’s contracted commercial distributor.
Storage
Best If Used by Dates- Indicates how long the product will retain best flavor or quality.
USDA Food Distribution Policy Memo
Donated Food Storage, Distribution, and Product Dating (Revised), FD-107, USDA 11/21/2017