UNSPSC 50403905: Fuzzy/hairy melon

The variety of gourds known as fuzzy/hairy melon

UNSPSC 50403905 Fuzzy/hairy melon, a Commodity code, addresses fresh produce procurement by state and local governments, though recent solicitations under this specific code span a broader array of fresh fruits and vegetables rather than fuzzy melons alone. State and local buyers are acquiring fresh produce — including carrots, potatoes, onions, leafy greens, tomatoes, apples, bananas, and other items — primarily for institutional food service operations at correctional facilities, state supported living centers, mental health centers, school nutrition programs, senior centers, and regional parks. Issuing bodies include state agencies (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Mental Health), school districts (Madison Metropolitan School District, Bartow County School System, Dougherty County Board of Education, Bryan County Schools, Early County Board of Education), county governments (Collier County), cities (San Antonio), and specialized entities (Head Start of Greater Dallas, Marion Health Care Coalition). The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Texas Health and Human Services Commission appear as repeat buyers, each issuing multiple produce and food service solicitations over the past six months.

Recent activity concentrates heavily in Texas and Georgia. Representative opportunities include the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's IFB HHS0018082 (posted October 16, 2026, due October 23, 2026) for consumable foods including prepared items and supplies for Lufkin State Supported Living Center; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's RFP IW267376 (posted October 12, 2026, due October 19, 2026) for fresh fruit and vegetable supply and delivery to Palestine, Texas; Collier County Board of County Commissioners' ITN for food services at North Collier Regional Park (posted October 8, 2026, due March 6, 2025) requiring diverse food and beverage options with a 10-point local-vendor preference; the Illinois Department of Corrections' RFQ 27426DOCJOLIEB53849 (posted August 27, 2026, due September 3, 2026) for bi-weekly fresh produce delivery to Joliet Treatment Center under a small business set-aside; Madison Metropolitan School District's RFB 4163 (posted July 8, 2026, due July 29, 2026) for fresh fruit and vegetable snacks sourced within 400 miles of Madison and Wisconsin, with a 5 percent diverse-owned business preference; and Bartow County School System's RFP 10-2026-019 (posted May 21, 2026, due June 22, 2026) seeking local fresh fruits and vegetables sourced within 400 miles. Institutional food service remains the primary driver, with school nutrition programs increasingly emphasizing local sourcing, seasonal variety, and compliance with federal nutrition standards.