USDA Food Guide

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Foods in Schools

Guide for Georgia School Food Authorities (SFAs)

Georgia Food Distribution Contacts

Holly Thaw MS, RDN, LD: Program Manager

hthaw@doe.k12.ga.us

404-617-2048

Latosha Mitchell: Business Support Analyst latosha.mitchell@doe.k12.ga.us

470-763-1154

Angelica Flucas: Food Distribution Specialist: USDA Foods Direct Delivery aflucas@doe.k12.ga.us

404-416-0994

Annmarie Evans: Food Distribution Specialist: USDA DoD Fresh aevans@doe.k12.ga.us

404-859-3440

Shanté Williams-Brown: Food Distribution Specialist: USDA Foods Processing shante.brown@doe.k12.ga.us

404-615-2824

Sydney Myers: Food Distribution Specialist: USDA Foods Processing sydney.myers@doe.k12.ga.us

404-985-7567

Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division Page 3 of 21

What are USDA Foods?

The USDA Foods Program began in 1935 to support both American agriculture and school meals. USDA Foods are high-quality, 100% American grown foods which are available for ordering through the USDA Web Based Chain Supply Management (WBSCM) system or through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS).

USDA Offers Nutrient-Dense Options in Each Food Group

VEGETABLES

Fresh, frozen, and canned options from all five vegetable subgroups: dark green, red/orange, beans/peas, starchy, and other.

No salt added frozen vegetables and either low- sodium or no salt added canned vegetables and beans.

FRUITS

Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried options in sizes ranging from individual portions to bulk for processing. Canned fruits are either unsweetened or packed in extra light syrup.

MEATS/MEAT ALTERNATE

A variety of nutrient-dense protein options such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, cheese, nuts, and eggs.

USDA continuously works with industry to improve product specifications to reduce sodium and saturated fat while still achieving optimal product quality.

WHOLE GRAINS

A variety of whole-grain food options including cereals, flour, pasta, rice, and tortillas.

USDA Foods are available via one of three methods:

1. USDA Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

2. Direct Delivery

3. Bulk for Processing

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USDA DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

The DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program allows SFAs to order fresh produce with their entitlement dollars. SFAs have the opportunity to order locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables weekly via the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS).

SFAs that would like to allocate funds to USDA DoD Fresh for SY 2025 should determine the amount of entitlement dollars that they would like to spend through DoD Fresh for the following school year and complete the USDA DoD Participation Request Form .

Completed forms should be emailed to Annmarie Evans: aevans@doe.k12.ga.us.

Once the DoD Fresh requested allocation amount is determined, the SFA can subtract the dollar amount from their total estimated entitlement to determine the amount of remaining entitlement to use for placing orders through direct delivery and/or bulk for processing.

RESOURCES:

USDA DoD Fresh Information

FFAVORS FAQ & Tips

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USDA Foods for Direct Delivery

USDA Foods for Direct Delivery are foods that are available to order through the USDA Web Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system for delivery directly to a state-contracted warehouse or to district owned or contracted warehouse.

USDA creates a national “Foods Available” list for every school year. This list includes both foods that are available through USDA Foods Direct Delivery and USDA Foods Processing.

Georgia reviews SFA input and feedback to create a Georgia-specific list of foods available for Georgia SFAs. If a SFA has questions about or wants more information about a food that is listed on the national USDA Foods Available list, please reach out to a GaDOE Food Distribution Specialist.

Additionally, USDA creates a yearly “List of Materials Report” that provides an estimated price per pound, per case, and per truck for all USDA Foods items available that year and provides the USDA Foods Database that includes vendor-specific nutrition, allergen and ingredient information for direct delivered USDA Foods.

The “List of Materials Report” and the national USDA “Foods Available” list are included in the resources below along with links to the specifications for USDA Foods and the USDA Foods Database.

The Georgia-specific “Foods Available" lists are included on the following pages of this guide.

RESOURCES:

USDA Foods Available Nationally

USDA Foods Product Specifications

USDA Foods Database

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USDA Foods Available in Georgia by DIRECT DELIVERY

110361 APPLESAUCE CUP-96/4.5 100101 CHICKEN DICED CTN- 40 LB

110541 APPLESAUCE UNSWEETENED CAN-6/10

100261 APRICOT FRZ CUP-96/4.5 OZ

110624

100243

110872

111643

BLUEBERRIES UNSWEETENED, FROZEN

BLUEBERRIES, WILD, UNSWEETENED, FROZEN

CHERRIES SWEET PITTED UNSWEETENED FRZ-12/2.5 LB

CHERRIES, TART, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION

110723 CRANBERRIES, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION

110859 MIXED BERRIES (BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES) CUPS, FRZ

100212 MIXED FRUIT CAN-6/10

100219 PEACHES CLING SLICES CAN-6/10

100225 PEARS DICED CAN-6/10

100224 PEARS SLICES CAN-6/10

100293 RAISINS BOX-144/1.33 OZ

100254

STRAWBERRIES SLICED FRZ PAIL30 LB

110921 CHICKEN, FILLET, 2.0 MMA: UNBREADED FRZ-30 LB CS

100117 CHICKEN FAJITA STRIPS CTN-30 LB

110080 CHICKEN OVEN ROASTED FRZ 8 PC CTN-30 LB

110462 CHICKEN, UNSEASONED GRILLED STRIPS, COOKED, FRZ

100046 EGGS, WHOLE FRZ CTN-6/5 LB

110845 EGGS, LIQUID WHOLE, FROZEN

111751 EGGS, PATTIES COOKED 1.0 MMA ROUND FRZ-25 LB CS

100201 FISH CATFISH STRIPS BRD OVN RDY PKG 4/10 LB

CTN-40 LB

110322 BEEF, PATTIES W/SPP, COOKED, 2.0 MMA FROZEN

110349 BEEF, PATTIES 100% 85/15, 2.0 MMA FROZEN

100187 PORK HAM WATERAD SLC FRZ PKG-8/5 LB

100188 PORK HAM WATERAD CBED FRZ PKG-4/10 OR 8/5 LB

110730 PORK, PULLED, MINIMALLY SEASONED, COOKED, FROZEN Oils

100439 OIL VEGETABLE BTL-6/1 GAL

Vegetables Legumes

100307 BEANS GREEN CAN-6/10

111054 BEANS GREEN NO SALT ADDED FRZ12/2 LB

110473 BROCCOLI FRZ PKG-6/5 LB

100309 CARROTS CAN-6/10

100352 CARROTS FRZ CTN-30 LB

100359 BEANS BLACK TURTLE CAN-6/10

100362 BEANS REFRIED CAN-6/10

100364 BEANS VEGETARIAN CAN-6/10

100365 BEANS PINTO CAN-6/10

100368 BEANS BLACKEYE CAN-6/10

100348 CORN FRZ CTN-30 LB Cheese

100313 CORN WHOLE KERNEL (LIQ) CAN-6/10

100315 PEAS CAN-6/10

100350 PEAS GREEN FRZ CTN-30 LB

100355 POTATOES WEDGE FRZ PKG-6/5 LB

100336 SPAGHETTI SAUCE, MEATLESS CAN-6/10

100329 TOMATO DICED CAN-6/10

100330 TOMATO SALSA CAN-6/10

100036 CHEESE BLEND AMER SKM YEL SLC LVS-6/5 LB

100012 CHEESE CHEDDAR RDU FAT YEL SHRED BAG-6/5 LB

100003 CHEESE CHEDDAR YEL SHRED BAG-6/5 LB

100021 CHEESE MOZZARELLA LM PART SKM SHRED FRZ BOX-30LB

100022 CHEESE MOZZARELLA LM PART SKM LOVES FRZ

USDA Direct Delivery: Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable Program

Certain fruits and vegetables that are available through Direct Delivery must be purchased a year in advance to aid with the procurement and purchasing process.

Requests for the following seasonal foods for School Year 2025-2026 that are needed in July-September of 2025 must be submitted by the catalog closing date. Please review the list below, if you use any of these items at the beginning of the school year (July-September of 2025), make sure you place your request in WBSCM.

Material Number Fruit

100261  APRICOTS DICED FROZEN CUP 96/4.5 OZ

100212  MIXED FRUIT EX LT CAN-6/10

110859  MIXED BERRIES CUP FRZ

100224  PEARS SLICES EX LT CAN-6/10

100225  PEARS DICED EX LT CAN-6/10

100219  PEACHES CLING SLICES CAN 6/10

100220  PEACHES CLING DICED EX LT CAN-6/10

100238  PEACHES SLICED FROZEN 12/2 LB

100241  PEACH FREESTONE DICED FRZ CUP-96/4.4 OZ

100254  STRAWBERRY SLICES FRZ CTN-30 LB

100256  STRAWBERRY FRZ CUP-96/4.5 OZ

Material Number

Vegetables

100307  BEANS GREEN CAN 6/10

100351  BEANS GREEN NO SALT ADDED FROZEN 12/2 LB

111054  BEANS GREEN FRZ CTN 12/2 LB

100313  CORN WHOLE KERNEL LIQ CAN 6/10

100348  CORN WHOLE KERNEL NO SALT ADDED FROZEN

111053  CORN NO SALT ADDED FROZEN 12/2.5 LB

100315  PEAS CAN 6/10

100329  TOMATO DICED CAN 6/10

100350  PEAS GREEN FRZ CTN 30 LB

100309  CARROTS CAN-6/10

100352  CARROTS FRZ CTN 30 LB

Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division Page 9 of 21 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

USDA Foods for Processing

USDA Foods for Processing gives SFAs the opportunity to contract with federal and state approved commercial processors to use raw, bulk USDA Foods to create convenient, ready-to-use foods. Some examples of the foods that are used for processing are beef, cheese, poultry, pork, fruits, and vegetables

SFAs must competitively procure processed USDA foods per Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200. Georgia creates a list of commercial processors that are allowed to process USDA Foods for Georgia SFAs If a SFA has questions about or wants more information about Georgiaapproved processors, please reach out to a GaDOE Food Distribution Processing Specialist.

Summary End Product Data Schedules (SEPDS)

SEPDS list all products from commercial processors and identify which USDA Food item(s) are being processed by the USDA material number that is also found on the USDA Foods Available list. The SEPDS provides the weight, the number of servings, and the amount of donated food in each case of processed product. This allows SFAs to determine how much USDA Foods to divert to the identified processor. SEPDS can be requested directly from processors or by contacting a GaDOE Food Distribution Processing Specialist.

Georgia Approved Processors

Alpha Foods Co

High Liner

Bake Crafters

Basic American Foods

Hormel Foods

Bongards Creameries

Michael Foods

Brookwood Farms

Nardone

Buena Vista

Butterball

Cargill Kitchen Solutions

Conagra Food Service

Del Real

Don Lee Farms

ES Foods

Foster Farms

Gold Creek Foods

Resources:

USDA Foods Processing

ACDA Processing Resources

House of Raeford

Idahoan

Integrated Food Service

International Food Solutions

National Food Group

J&J Snack Foods

Peterson Farms Fresh

JM Smucker

Pilgrim’s Pride

JTM

Red Gold

Kraft Heinz

Rich Chicks

Land O' Lakes

Rich Products

Maid Rite

McCain Foods

USDA Foods Processing Fact Sheet

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SA Piazza

Schwans Food Service

Tabatchnick

Tasty Brands

Tysons Foods

Yangs 5th Taste

100935

100154

BEEF COARSE GROUND FRZ CTN60 LB

100155 BEEF FRESH BONELESS COMBO20/2000 LB

100156 BEEF BONELESS SPECIAL TRIM FRZ CTN-60 LB

100193

110601

PORK PICNIC BONELESS FRZ CTN60 LB

FISH ALASKAN POLLOCK FRZ BULK CTN-49 LBS

Ordering USDA Foods for Direct Delivery and Processing

WBSCM stands for Web-Based Supply Chain Management System. This online platform facilitates the acquisition, distribution, and tracking of USDA Foods. SFAs can use the platform to access reports, submit orders, track order and delivery statuses, and enter receipt of goods.

USDA Foods Catalog Opening

• Orders for USDA Foods can be requested in WBSCM during what is called the USDA Foods Catalog Opening period beginning on February 14, 2024, through March 14, 2024.

• If you need access to WBSCM please contact Latosha Mitchell: latosha.mitchell@doe.k12.ga.us.

Before placing your order requests in WBSCM, view your Planned Assistance Level (PAL) funds for SY 2025 by running your Entitlement Management Report. Your PAL identifies your estimated entitlement and will help you forecast for the next school year

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Entitlement/Bonus Summary Report Instructions

Step 1: After logging into WBSCM, click the Reports tab in the header.

Step 2: Click Entitlement/Bonus Summary Report to see the screen below.

Step 3: Enter NSLP in the Program field and 2025 in the Program Year field.

Step 4: Click Execute to generate report.

Step 5: To export to Excel, click the Export tab then click the box Export to Microsoft Excel to generate report.

Understand your report?

Your beginning balance is your planned assistance level or PAL for SY2025. If you placed Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable orders last year, a balance would be reflected under Ent. Order Total.

Your current estimated balance will be shown in the column labeled Ent. Balance.

Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division Page 13 of 21

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WBSCM D irect D elivery O rdering Instructions

1. To place request, click tab in header.

2. Click

3. Then click

4. Expand the options for NSLP then click Direct Delivery

5. Once expanded, a list of commodity categories will appear. Choose a category, then click Entitlement.

6. Click the commodity of your choice to place request.

7. Once you click on your commodity, you will see the product description, product description and available delivery dates for the commodity. Enter the number of cases you would like for each delivery period the click Move to Cart at the bottom of the page.

View Cart at the top of the page shows the value of the order requests placed in the cart.

8. After you click use the dropdown box to select your contracted warehouse location.

ACC is the default location so please double check your delivery location again to make sure you are sending your food to the correct destination.

9. Click the boxes in the Deliver to Selection.

Confirm your quantities and requested

The order request is now complete. Please print or save your receipt for your records.

Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division Page 14 of 21

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Processing Diversion O rdering Instructions

1. To place request, click tab in header.

2. Click

3. Then click

4. Expand the options for NSLP then click Processing Diversion.

5. Click Processing Diversion, then select your food category and click

6. Click the commodity of your choice to place request.

7. Enter the number of cases you would like for each delivery period then click at the bottom of the page.

8. Click at the top of the page.

The View Cart data shows the value of the order requests placed in the cart.

9. Use the dropdown box to select the delivery location.

*If you are in the process of placing your bid, please place your request in Morgan Produce.

10. Click the boxes in the Deliver to Selection.

11. Click to place your request.

Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division Page 15 of 21

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Morgan Produce: If you have not awarded a contract with a commercial processor, you can use the 5000785 Morgan Produce delivery location to hold your requests and deduct your entitlement. Requests will remain in “Ready for Approval” status. Please do not order from a processor until your bid is complete. When you know the designed processor, send an email to both of the GaDOE Food Distribution Processing Specialists:

Shanté Williams-Brown at shante.brown@doe.k12.ga.us and

Sydney Myers at sydney.myers@doe.k12.ga.us

Please Note: If you are ordering to a processor that your SFA has used in the past, check your carryover balance at that processor before placing new order requests. The longer you wait to provide the designated processor for your items in Morgan Produce, the higher the probability that the order may not be able to be placed.

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WBSCM Requisition Status Report Instructions

This report provides important information about your USDA Foods. Use this report to view and confirm quantities, delivery periods, locations, and order status for your system.

1. CLICK the Reports tab.

2. Then CLICK Requisition Status Report

3. Next enter NSLP in the *Program: field.

4. Enter: 07/01/2024 to 06/30/2025 in Req. Delivery Date field to view full school year.

5. CLICK Execute to generate report.

6. To export to Excel, CLICK the Export tab then click the box Export to Microsoft Excel.

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WBSCM Order Status Codes and Descriptions

Purchased

Order Received

Canceled

Ready for Approval

Approved by SDA

Approved by SpAgency

On Invitation

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On a purchase order (contract)

Order has been delivered and a receipt has been entered in the system

Order has been cancelled and cannot be reinstated

Order has been entered but not approved by the State Agency

Approved by State Agency and Submitted to USDA for purchase

FNS (USDA) has approved the order for purchase

Order is currently on solicitation to be purchased by USDA

Page 18 of 21

Angelica

Annmarie

Warehousing Information

Contract Period: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025

Recipient Agency (RA) Notification of USDA Foods Available for Order: Distributor notifies RA weekly, at a minimum, either in writing or by telephone. RA must monitor orders and reports in WBSCM against the weekly distributor notification periodically (preferably daily or twice weekly). You will not receive confirmation from Food Distribution (FD).

Order Submission: RA submits to distributor in writing via method or forms designated by distributor. No verbal orders unless expressly allowed by distributor. System submits all orders for individual school deliveries. Orders must include USDA food material name and number of cases by delivery point and must be received by distributor two working days (48 hours) prior to scheduled delivery dates. FD requires a 20-case-per-drop minimum. The Contractor may establish a lesser per case minimum. RAs may negotiate for lower minimums.

Delivery Requirements: Between 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made in advance Mondays through Fridays, except school or institutional holidays or emergency closing days. Delivery after 2:30 p.m. may be negotiable in hardship cases such as inclement weather or truck breakdown.

RA Receiving Responsibility: Authorized school receiver on duty when USDA foods are delivered should verify accuracy of items, quantities of each item, total quantity, and condition of items and to sign delivery invoice. Receiver should check USDA foods as soon as the driver has unloaded. Delivery invoice or ticket must be receipted (signed) by authorized school receiver. Variations such as shortages or damages in items delivered must be noted on delivery invoice or ticket by school receiver and initialed by both the driver and the school receiver.

Storage and Delivery Costs: The commercial delivery system is based on a “push” system of delivering all USDA foods to RAs within 60 calendar days of arrival. Orders should be placed as soon as RA is notified of allocation. This is especially important with fresh fruits and vegetables. Distributor may assess a charge per month for each case of USDA foods remaining in storage beyond 60 days. Additional charge is not to exceed 25 percent of weekly charge for delivery to recipient kitchens, may be assessed for a full month on the first day following the anniversary arrival date, and may only be assessed on the base charge--not on a compounded basis. Payment for delivery should be made to contract distributor within 30 days after receipt of foods. Any USDA foods left over 60 days are subject to reallocation, which includes both Direct Delivery and Processing Diversion.

Reprocessed or Further Processed Commodity Costs: Price E will be charged for storage and delivery for each case of reprocessed or further processed USDA foods that are received into the distributor as a result of an RA sending raw USDA foods into a processor’s plant for conversion into approved end products under a fee- for-service arrangement. Delivery Frequency: Weekly to RAs that receive weekly delivery of commercially purchased foods from the distributor; skip-a-week basis for RAs that do not purchase commercial foods from the distributor; monthly deliveries for small RAs. Warehouse pickup (one day per month designated by distributor) is available for small RAs that are unable to meet the minimum delivery quantity requirement.

Requirements for One-Stop Delivery: One-stop delivery provisions are for those school systems that require delivery to only one location-either a school-operated warehouse or a redistribution location-within the system and can take lumpsum delivery of USDA foods within 10 working days of its arrival at the distributor’s warehouse. Deliveries are made on exchangeable pallets (for warehouse deliveries) or driver unloads (for redistribution locations).

Questions concerning the warehouse delivery system should be directed to Angelica Flucas, aflucas@doe.k12.ga.us.

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Resources and References

Links to Resources

Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs

FFAVORS FAQ & Tips

USDA DoD Fresh Information

USDA DoD Participation Request Form

USDA Foods Available Nationally

USDA Foods Database

USDA Foods in Schools Fact Sheet

USDA Foods in Schools Further Processing Fact Sheet

USDA Foods Product Specifications

References

ACDA Resource Guide: Processing. (2023, March).

https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/program-history