UNSPSC 50311579: Organic russet apples

The variety of organic apples known as organic russet apples

UNSPSC 50311579 Organic russet apples (Commodity) covers fresh fruit procurement by state and local governments, though recent opportunities under this specific code emphasize a broader range of produce—apples, bananas, berries, root vegetables, leafy greens, and specialty items—rather than organic russet apples alone. State and local governments solicit fresh produce most commonly through school nutrition departments and regional park food services, which dominate the recent activity. School districts across multiple states issue line-by-line bids or RFBs for fresh fruit and vegetables as part of National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program operations, often with strict specifications on case sizes, ripeness stages, delivery windows, temperature maintenance, and traceability. County and regional park authorities also solicit food-service vendors who provide concessions, including fresh fruit and beverage offerings. Evaluation criteria typically weight cost heavily (40% is common), with secondary points assigned to vendor qualifications, food safety compliance, delivery capability, local or diverse-business status, and past performance. Insurance minimums typically range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 general liability, and HACCP plans are standard requirements. Vendors must comply with Buy American provisions where applicable and meet E-Verify and debarment-verification mandates.

Recent activity spans Georgia, Wisconsin, and Florida. Madison Metropolitan School District posted separate RFBs in July 2026 for petite bananas (70–90 cases weekly, estimated annual value $78,000, response due July 29, 2026) and fresh fruit and vegetable snacks (approximately 5,900 weekly servings, sourced within 400 miles of Madison and within Wisconsin, response due July 29, 2026). Hancock County Board of Education in Georgia issued an IFB for fresh produce spanning 200+ line items and three delivery locations, with sealed bids due June 26, 2026. Bartow County School System in Georgia sought local fresh fruits and vegetables within 400 miles with a June 22, 2026 proposal deadline. Collier County Board of County Commissioners in Florida posted an Invitation to Negotiate for North Collier Regional Park food services on October 8, 2026, with response due March 6, 2025 (likely a data-entry error in the source). Early County Board of Education in Georgia requested line-by-line bids for 300+ food items including fruits and vegetables, with responses due June 8, 2026. Marion Health Care Coalition in Florida sought produce proposals with an August 21, 2026 deadline. Local-vendor and domestic-sourcing preferences appear frequently; geographic restrictions (400-mile radius sourcing) are standard in school district RFPs across Georgia and Wisconsin.