UNSPSC 50301581: Spartan apples

The variety of apples known as spartan apples

UNSPSC 50301581 Spartan apples, a Commodity code, covers fresh apple supply and delivery to institutional food service operations, with state and local buyers soliciting single-variety or mixed-produce contracts that often bundle apples alongside other fresh fruits and vegetables for school nutrition programs, correctional facilities, mental health centers, senior services, and child care programs. Buyers range from state departments of corrections and mental health to school districts, county human services divisions, and specialized food service operations, with recent activity concentrated in Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Connecticut. The code sees steady demand from school nutrition programs conducting annual or multi-year procurements tied to USDA meal programs, as well as from institutional food-service operators managing weekly or bi-weekly deliveries to multiple sites. Pricing structures vary—some jurisdictions fix prices for contract terms (often 12 months), while others use cost-plus or indexed models tied to produce-market indices; delivery requirements typically mandate refrigerated transport, specific temperature maintenance (often 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above), and compliance with USDA or state food-safety standards including HACCP documentation.

Recent solicitations span school districts requesting fresh produce for school nutrition programs (Madison Metropolitan School District RFB 4162 for petite bananas with estimated annual value $78,000, bids due July 29, 2026; Hancock County Board of Education IFB SN002-2027 for over 200 fresh produce line items including multiple apple varieties, bids due June 26, 2026), correctional and mental health facilities seeking regular supply contracts (Texas Department of Criminal Justice solicitation IW267376 for fresh fruit and vegetables to Palestine, Texas, proposals due October 19, 2026; Illinois Department of Mental Health's Madden Mental Health Center small purchase procurement for weekly produce deliveries through June 30, 2027, proposals due August 14, 2026), and specialized programs including school meal vendors for child care and Head Start (City of Edinburg CACFP RFP 2026-017 for food and nonfood items serving 400 children, proposals due August 4, 2026; Head Start of Greater Dallas IFB 26-GP with estimated value $969,460.94 covering frozen foods and produce, sealed bids due June 24, 2026). School districts dominate the recent-activity mix, often imposing geographic sourcing preferences (Madison Metropolitan's fresh fruit snack RFB 4163 requires sourcing within 400 miles and Wisconsin; Bartow County School System RFP 10-2026-019 specifies local farms within 400 miles), applying small-business or diverse-owned preferences (5% to 10 evaluation points), and requiring Buy American compliance with minimum domestic agricultural content (51% for processed items in most school nutrition contracts). Contract terms typically run one school year (July through June) with optional renewal periods; insurance requirements commonly include $500,000 to $1,000,000 general liability coverage. No set-aside restrictions or specific incumbent contractors are prominent in the recent opportunities; competitive award is standard practice.