NIGP 39075: Shortening (Except Vegetable) and Lard

NIGP 39075 Shortening (Except Vegetable) and Lard, an Item code, covers animal-based cooking fats and shortening products procured by state and local food service operations, principally school districts and state agencies managing institutional dining programs. State and local buyers under this code source shortening and lard as ingredient components within broader food service contracts rather than as standalone commodity purchases. Recent solicitations frame these products as line items within comprehensive food-supply agreements that bundle proteins, dairy, grains, produce, and kitchen supplies into single awards, reflecting how institutional food programs consolidate procurement across multiple ingredient categories to streamline vendor management and delivery logistics.

The Early County Board of Education (Georgia) posted an RFQ on May 11, 2026 for FY27 food supplies serving its National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program across three schools, with bids due June 8, 2026; the scope included approximately 300 food items alongside non-food and paper supplies, with domestic sourcing preferences and low-sodium, no-added-sugar formulations emphasized. The State of Georgia posted a broader food, supplies, and other kitchen products bid (PE55645NONST2026000000009) on May 15, 2026 with a June 22, 2026 response deadline. Both opportunities involve performance at Georgia locations, with school district food service representing the primary issuing-body category visible in current activity. Shortening and lard line items typically appear in school nutrition contracts where vendors must meet USDA whole-grain and enriched specifications, maintain HACCP plans, carry insurance, comply with Buy American provisions, and allow piggybacking by other school districts on identical terms.