Purchase of Refrigerators for County of Volusia Summer Food Service Program

The County of Volusia Community Assistance Division operates the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), providing meals to children at multiple locations throughout the County during the summer months. Certain sites require on-site refrigeration to maintain safe food-holding temperatures and ensure compliance with state and federal food-safety requirements.

After evaluating long-term operational needs, the Division has determined that purchasing refrigerators is a fiscally responsible and operationally sustainable solution compared to seasonal rentals. Ownership will reduce recurring rental expenditures, ensure consistent equipment availability, and standardize refrigeration capacity across all service locations.

The anticipated useful life of the refrigerators is 12-13 years, based on manufacturer specifications and comparable equipment performance.

The Summer Food Service Program operates annually during the school summer period at multiple feeding sites throughout Volusia County. Several of these locations lack permanent refrigeration infrastructure and require temporary equipment to safely store perishable meals.

Historically, the County has relied on rented refrigeration units. Transitioning to ownership improves operational control and reduces reliance on seasonal vendor availability during peak demand periods.

During the off-season, all refrigerators will be cleaned, inspected, and stored at the County’s centralized storage facility. Units will be stored with doors ajar in accordance with manufacturer recommendations to prevent moisture buildup and preserve internal components. Centralized storage supports asset accountability, inventory control, and extended equipment life.