NIGP 39353: Fruits, Vegetables, and Full Meal Entrees, Dehydrated

NIGP 39353 Fruits, Vegetables, And Full Meal Entrees, Dehydrated, an Item code, encompasses fresh and processed produce, dried entrees, and complete meal components that state and local governments procure for school nutrition programs, institutional food service, senior meal delivery, and congregate dining operations. State and local buyers source fresh produce (apples, berries, cruciferous and root vegetables, citrus, leafy greens, specialty fruits), processed vegetables, dehydrated meal components, and shelf-stable prepared foods under this code. Issuing bodies include school districts, state health and human services agencies, county boards of education, county commission nutrition programs, and state procurement offices. School districts and county boards of education dominate the activity, purchasing produce and meal components to support National School Lunch Program compliance, Buy American provision requirements (typically 51 percent domestic agricultural content for processed items), and nutrition standards under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, state departments of education, and county senior services also solicit under the code for institutional and congregate meal programs.

Recent opportunities span Connecticut, Texas, Georgia, and Florida. Hancock County Board of Education (Georgia) issued IFB #SN002-2027 for fresh produce across 200-plus line items with a June 26, 2026 bid due date and a July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 contract term. City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases (Connecticut) solicited grocery items under BNB052266 supporting the Bridgeport Board of Education's Food & Nutrition Services, with electronic bids due June 30, 2026 and a July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 term spanning over 1,100 line items, including fresh and processed produce, requiring blind testing and USDA compliance documentation. Texas Health and Human Services Commission issued IFB HHS0017449 for food and consumable products serving the El Paso State Supported Living Center, with proposals due July 11, 2026 and a historical contract value of $1.5 million for the prior period. Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (Florida) posted ITB-26-00289 for senior meal preparation and delivery services with an estimated three-year contract value of $17,832,659.90 and a June 25, 2026 bid due date. Vendors must hold state food service licenses, meet HACCP certification, provide nutritional documentation, accept Buy American requirements, and maintain liability insurance in the $500,000 to $2 million range depending on the program.