United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Foods in Schools
Guide for Georgia School Food Authorities (SFAs)
Georgia Food Distribution Contacts
Janet Jungnickel, MBM: Program Manager
janet.jungnickel@doe.k12.ga.us
404-896-7302
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
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
USDA DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program allows School Food Authorities (SFAs) to use entitlement dollars to purchase fresh produce. Through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS), SFAs may order locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis.
To determine the amount of entitlement dollars to allocate to the USDA DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for School Year 2027 (SY27), it is a best practice to submit requests for Processing and Direct Delivery products first. After order requests have been submitted, use the remaining entitlement balance in WBSCM to determine the amount available for DoD Fresh allocation.
To request participation in the DoD Fresh Program for SY27, follow the instructions provided in the DoD Participation Request Microsoft Form:
DoD Participation Request Microsoft Form
RESOURCES:
USDA DoD Fresh Information
FFAVORS FAQ & Tips
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
USDA Foods Available in Georgia by DIRECT DELIVERY
111790
Fruit Poultry / Fish / Meat
APPLE JUICE, 100%, UNSWEETENED, CUPS, FROZEN- 96/4 111361 CHICKEN CUT-UP FRZ CTN-4/10 LB BAG
100206 APPLE SLICES CAN-6/10 100101 CHICKEN DICED CTN- 40 LB 110361 APPLESAUCE CUP-96/4.5
110921
CHICKEN, FILLET, 2.0 MMA: UNBREADED FRZ-30 LB CS
APPLESAUCE UNSWEETENED CAN-6/10 100117 CHICKEN FAJITA STRIPS CTN-30 LB 100261
APRICOT FRZ CUP-96/4.5 OZ 110080
BLUEBERRIES UNSWEETENED, FROZEN
CHERRIES SWEET PITTED UNSWEETENED FRZ-12/2.5 LB
CHERRIES, TART, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION
DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION
MIXED BERRIES (BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES) CUPS, FRZ
MIXED FRUIT CAN-6/10
CHICKEN OVEN ROASTED FRZ 8 PC CTN-30 LB
CHICKEN, PULLED, COOKED, FROZEN6/5 LB OR 3/10 LB BAG
CHICKEN, UNSEASONED GRILLED STRIPS, COOKED, FRZ
EGGS, WHOLE FRZ CTN-6/5 LB
PATTIES COOKED 1.0 MMA ROUND FRZ-25 LB CS
FISH CATFISH STRIPS BRD OVN RDY PKG 4/10 LB
PATTIES 100% 85/15, 2.0 MMA FROZEN
PATTIES,
HAM WATERAD CBED FRZ PKG4/10 OR 8/5 LB
PULLED, MINIMALLY SEASONED, COOKED, FROZEN
Vegetables Legumes
GREEN NO SALT ADDED FRZ12/2 LB
FRZ PKG-6/5 LB
FRZ CTN-30 LB
(LIQ) CAN-6/10
NO SALT ADDED FROZEN 12/2.5 LB
BEANS REFRIED CAN-6/10
PEAS GREEN FRZ CTN-30 LB
WEDGE FRZ PKG-6/5 LB
SALSA CAN-6/10 USDA Foods Available in GA through a Pilot Program
1% MILKFAT UHT BOX-27/8 FL OZ
BLEND AMER SKM YEL SLC LVS-6/5 LB
CHEDDAR RDU FAT YEL SHRED BAG-6/5 LB
MOZZARELLA LM PART SKM SHRED FRZ BOX-30LB
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 2027-2028 that are needed in JulySeptember of 2027 must be submitted by the catalog closing date. Please review the list below and ensure requests are entered in WBSCM for any items planned for use during July, August, or September 2027.
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 Material Number
Vegetables
100307 BEANS GREEN CAN 6/10
111054 BEANS GREEN NO SALT ADDED 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
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
Albies Foods
Basic American Foods
Bongards Creameries
Brookwood Farms
Buena Vista
Butterball
Cargill Kitchen Solutions
Cherry Central
Classic Delight
ConAgra Foods
Del Real Foods
Del Monte
Don Lee Farms
ES Foods
Elysium Foods
Foster Farms
Gold Creek Foods
High Liner
Hormel Foods
House of Raeford
Idahoan Foods
Integrated Food Service
International Food Solutions
JM Smucker
JTM
Kraft Heinz
Land O' Lakes
Maid Rite
MBC Companies
McCain Foods
Michael Foods
National Food Group
Peterson Farms Fresh
Pilgrim’s Pride
Proview Foods
Red Gold
Rich Chicks
Rich Products
SA Piazza
Schwan’s Food Service
Tabatchnick Fine Foods
Tasty Brands
Trident Seafood
Tysons Foods
Yangs 5th Taste
Value Pass Through (VPT) Information for all Georgia Approved Processors can be accessed via the following link: VPT Methods .xlsx
Resources:
USDA Foods Processing Fact Sheet
ACDA Processing Resources
USDA Foods Available in Georgia for Processing Diversion
BULK FOR PROCESS FRZ
POTATO FOR PROCESSING TO DEHYDRATED
Poultry / Fish / Meat
Nuts / Seeds
TURKEY THIGHS BNLS SKINLESS CHILLED-BULK
100154 BEEF COARSE GROUND FRZ CTN60 LB
100155 BEEF FRESH BONELESS COMBO20/2000 LB
100156 BEEF BONELESS SPECIAL TRIM FRZ CTN-60 LB
100193 PORK PICNIC BONELESS FRZ CTN60 LB
110601 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 13, 2026, through March 13, 2026.
• To gain access to WBSCM please contact Latosha Mitchell latosha.mitchell@doe.k12.ga.us
Before placing order requests in WBSCM, review Planned Assistance Level (PAL) funds for SY 2027 by running the Entitlement Management Report. PAL funds identify estimated entitlement and support forecasting for the next school year.
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 2027 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.
Understanding the report
The beginning balance is the planned assistance level, or PAL, for SY2027. USDA DoD Total for the school year is listed under DoD Fresh Amount. Processing pounds are listed under Ent. Pounds. The current estimated balance appears in the column labeled Ent. Balance.
WBSCM D irect D elivery O rdering Instructions
1. To place a request, click Operations
2. Click Order Management
3. Then click
4. Expand the NSLP options, then click Direct Delivery
5. Once expanded, a list of commodity categories will appear. Choose a category, then click Entitlement.
6. Click the desired commodity to place a request.
7. After selecting a commodity, the product description and available delivery dates will be displayed. Enter the number of cases for each delivery period, then click Move to Cart at the bottom of the page.
8. Select View Cart at the top of the page which displays the value of the order requests placed in the cart
9. After selecting the cart, use the dropdown box to select the contracted warehouse location.
10. To change the destination on multiple line items: 1) Choose a destination above, 2) Check the "Deliver-To Selection" checkbox for the line items to be updated, and 3) Click "Update." Tip: To update all line items, check the "Deliver-To Selection" checkbox in the table header row below.
11. Click the boxes in the Deliver-To Selection column.
12. Confirm the quantities and requested delivery date, then click Order.
The older request is now complete. Print or save the receipt for records.
Processing Diversion O rdering Instructions
1. To place a request, click in the ordering tab in the header.
2. Click Order Management
3. Then click
4. Expand the NSLP options, then click Processing Diversion.
5. Click Processing Diversion, select a food category, then click Entitlement
6. Click the desired commodity to place a request.
7. Delivery periods for processing are for the processor only so enter pounds for the entire school year into one delivery period, then click Move to Cart at the bottom of the page.
8. Click View Cart at the top of the page which displays the value of the order requests placed in the cart.
9. After selecting the cart, use the dropdown box to select the delivery location.
10. To change the destination on multiple line items: 1) Choose a destination above, 2) Check the "Deliver-To Selection" checkbox for the line items to be updated, and 3) Click "Update." Tip: To update all line items, check the "Deliver-To Selection" checkbox in the table header row below.
To change the destination on individual line items: 1) Expand the line item display, 2) Select the new destination, and 3) Click "Update."
After the update button is selected and the selected line items are updated, the Deliverto field at the header level will be blank.
11. If the bid is not complete, place item(s) in Morgan Produce. Deadline to remove items from Morgan Produce is June 30.
12. Confirm that quantities and delivery locations are correct, then click Order.
SFAs that have not yet awarded a contract to a commercial processor may temporarily allocate pounds to the 5000785 Morgan Produce location to hold requests and deduct entitlement prior to the catalog closing.
Request will remain in “Ready for Approval” status until confirmation of approved contracts with selected processors are communicated to the GaDOE Food Distribution Processing Specialists.
Do not place orders with a processor until the procurement process is completed.
Pounds remaining in Morgan Produce after March 15th may not be submitted in time to meet USDA ordering deadlines, which could impact the ability to receive the requested orders for the school year.
The later in the year contracts are approved, the more difficult it becomes to locate another state to split truckloads for those with partial truckloads. Split truck opportunities are coordinated on a first come, first served basis, and availability becomes increasingly limited later in the ordering cycle.
Important: Morgan Produce is intended for short-term use only during the procurement process. SFAs should begin the solicitation process in November and must have a processor selected and approved no later than March 15. Pounds remaining in Morgan Produce after the end of the school year on June 30 are subject to cancellation.
Food Distribution Processing Specialist Contact Information:
Shanté Brown at shante.brown@doe.k12.ga.us and Sydney Myers at sydney.myers@doe.k12.ga.us
WBSCM Requisition Status Report Instructions
This report provides important information about USDA Foods. Use this report to view and confirm quantities, delivery periods, locations, and order status for the system.
1. CLICK the Reports tab.
2. CLICK Requisition Status Report.
3. Enter NSLP in the *Program: field.
4. Enter 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027 in the Req. Delivery Date field to view the 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.
WBSCM Order Status Codes and Descriptions
Purchased On a purchase order (contract)
Order Received Order has been delivered and a receipt has been entered in the system
Canceled Order has been cancelled and cannot be reinstated
Ready for Approval
Approved by SDA
Order has been entered but not approved by the State Agency
Approved by State Agency and Submitted to USDA for purchase
Approved by SpAgency FNS (USDA) has approved the order for purchase
On Invitation Order is currently on solicitation to be purchased by USDA
Warehousing Information
Contract Period: July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027
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). RAs 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.
Resources and References
Links to Resources
Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
FFAVORS FAQ & Tips
USDA DoD Fresh Information
DoD Participation Request Microsoft 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
