New York Produce for the 2025-2026 School Year

Project Description: The Buffalo Public Schools is soliciting proposals to provide fresh produce for the Child Nutrition programs for the 2025-2026 school year. The USDA does allow districts to apply a geographic preference to minimally processed produce. The Buffalo Public Schools has provided a three-part RFP process for the produce. Part One is set up for a general produce distribution that includes both NY produce and other preferably domestic produce to schools on a regular basis. Part Two is set up specifically for locally grown, minimally processed seasonal produce. Part Three is set up for small local urban BIPOC farmers within a 15 mile radius. The evaluation criteria for each part are unique to each section. It is anticipated that this strategy will result in an increased number of proposals for consideration and multiple awards will be made, providing high quality healthy options.