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
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 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).
Determine if you would like to put any of your entitlement dollars in USDA’s DoD Fresh Program for SY26.
Once you determine your DoD Fresh requested allocation, you can subtract that dollar amount from your total estimated entitlement to determine the amount of remaining entitlement to use for placing orders through direct delivery and/or bulk for processing in WBSCM. To request participation in the DoD Program for SY26, please follow the instructions outlined in the DoD Request Microsoft Form:
DoD Participation Request Microsoft Form
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
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
CUP-96/4.5
APPLESAUCE UNSWEETENED CAN-6/10
APRICOT FRZ CUP-96/4.5 OZ
BLUEBERRIES UNSWEETENED, FROZEN
BLUEBERRIES, WILD, UNSWEETENED, FROZEN
CHERRIES SWEET PITTED UNSWEETENED FRZ-12/2.5 LB
TART, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION
CRANBERRIES, DRIED, INDIVIDUAL PORTION
MIXED BERRIES (BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES)
CUT-UP FRZ CTN-4/10 LB BAG
CHICKEN DICED CTN- 40 LB
CHICKEN, FILLET, 2.0 MMA: UNBREADED FRZ-30 LB CS
CHICKEN FAJITA STRIPS CTN-30 LB
CHICKEN OVEN ROASTED FRZ 8 PC CTN-30 LB
CHICKEN, UNSEASONED GRILLED STRIPS, COOKED, FRZ
EGGS, WHOLE FRZ CTN-6/5 LB
EGGS, LIQUID WHOLE, FROZEN
PATTIES COOKED 1.0 MMA ROUND FRZ-25 LB CS
100307
100351
111054
110473
Vegetables Legumes
BEANS GREEN CAN-6/10
BEANS GREEN NO SALT ADDED FROZEN 12/2 LB
BEANS GREEN NO SALT ADDED FRZ12/2 LB
BROCCOLI FRZ PKG-6/5 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 100309 CARROTS CAN-6/10 100368 BEANS BLACKEYE CAN-6/10 100352 CARROTS FRZ CTN-30 LB Cheese
100348 CORN FRZ CTN-30 LB 100036
100313 CORN WHOLE KERNEL (LIQ) CAN-6/10
CORN NO SALT ADDED FROZEN 12/2.5 LB
CHEESE BLEND AMER SKM YEL SLC LVS-6/5 LB
CHEESE CHEDDAR RDU FAT YEL SHRED BAG-6/5 LB
CHEESE CHEDDAR YEL SHRED BAG-6/5 LB 100315 PEAS CAN-6/10
MOZZARELLA LM PART SKM SHRED FRZ BOX-30LB 100350 PEAS GREEN FRZ CTN-30 LB
CHEESE MOZZARELLA LM PART SKM LOVES FRZ 100355 POTATOES WEDGE FRZ PKG-6/5 LB
100336 SPAGHETTI SAUCE, MEATLESS CAN-6/10
100329s TOMATO DICED CAN-6/10 100330 TOMATO SALSA CAN-6/10
New USDA Food Items
111790 APPLE JUICE, 100%, UNSWEETENED, CUPS, FROZEN- 96/4
111860 BLACK BEAN BURGER, PATTIES, COOKED, 2.0 MMA, FROZEN- 30 LB
111881 CHICKEN, PULLED, COOKED, FROZEN6/5 LB OR 3/10 LB BAG
Oil Vegetable BTL-6/1 GAL
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 2026-2027 that are needed in July-September of 2026 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), make sure you place your request in WBSCM.
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
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
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
National Food Group
Hormel Foods
Bongards Creameries
Brookwood Farms
Buena Vista
Butterball
Cargill Kitchen Solutions
Conagra Food Service
Classic Delight
Cherry Central
Del Real Foods
Don Lee Farms
ES Foods
Foster Farms
Gold Creek Foods
Resources:
USDA Foods Processing
ACDA Processing Resources
Georgia
House of Raeford
Idahoan
Integrated Food Service
International Food Solutions
Peterson Farms Fresh Pilgrim’s Pride
J&J Snack Foods
JM Smucker
Proview Foods
JTM
Red Gold
Kraft Heinz
Rich Chicks
Land O' Lakes
Rich Products
Maid Rite
SA Piazza
McCain Foods
Michael Foods
Nardone Brothers Baking
USDA Foods Processing Fact Sheet
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Schwan’s Food Service
Tasty Brands
Tabatchnick Fine Foods
Tyson Foods
Yangs 5th Taste
USDA Foods Available in Georgia for Processing Diversion
THIGHS BNLS SKINLESS CHILLED-BULK
COARSE GROUND FRZ CTN60
FRESH BONELESS COMBO20/2000 LB
BONELESS SPECIAL TRIM FRZ CTN-60 LB
PORK PICNIC BONELESS FRZ CTN60 LB
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, 2025, through March 14, 2025.
• 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 2026 by running your Entitlement Management Report. Your PAL identifies your estimated entitlement and will help you forecast 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 2026 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 SY2026. 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
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 then click Move to Cart at the bottom of the page.
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.
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.
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 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 balance at that processor before placing new order requests. Your available balance will be factored into the ordering process. Any unused pounds may be transferred to the state account.
To ensure your order can be placed, designate your processor for items being held in Morgan Produce as soon as possible.
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.
Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division Page 17 of 21 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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, 2025, through June 30, 2026
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.
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
Georgia