The USDA this week issued a solicitation for fresh produce packages under the Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as TEFAP. The produce package program replaces the Famers to Families Food Box Program created in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and funded by the CARES Act.
Bids are due by May 7, and 1 p.m., and USDA will announce acceptances by Friday, May 18th. Deliveries will occur from June 1 to September 30, 2021. The solicitation includes contracts for several hundred-thousand produce packages to be delivered to food banks in 20 California cities.
The produce packages must meet a minimum weight range of 10-12 pounds and include 3-5 pounds of fruit and at least 2 locally grown fruit or vegetable items.
USDA has not revealed the total funding amount for the produce packages but has assured us that it intends to award every contract in the solicitation.
You may view the official solicitation here. The procurement details document can be seen here. A short video presentation from AMS on the program and bid process can be seen here.
