UNSPSC 50403908: Snake gourd

The variety of gourds known as snake gourd

UNSPSC 50403908 Snake gourd is a Commodity code that encompasses fresh produce supply to institutional food service operations, including correctional facilities, state-supported living centers, school districts, mental health facilities, and senior services programs. Recent solicitations show state and local governments buying fresh fruits and vegetables—primarily through institutional cafeteria and canteen supply contracts—rather than snake gourd specifically. The code's nominal scope diverges materially from actual recent procurement activity: the opportunities presented are dominated by general fresh produce (carrots, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli) and prepared food items (frozen entrees, dairy, proteins, condiments), not snake gourd. Issuing bodies span state departments (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Mental Health), county school districts (Bartow County Schools, Dougherty County Schools, Bryan County Schools, Early County Schools, Madison Metropolitan School District), county governments (Collier County), city agencies (City of San Antonio), and non-profit child care networks (Head Start of Greater Dallas). Texas agencies and Georgia school districts dominate the recent activity. State-supported living centers and correctional facilities in Texas are repeat buyers, with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission posting multiple IFBs for food service supplies to Lufkin, Mexia, and other state facilities between August and October 2026.

Representative opportunities illustrate the scope mismatch: the Texas Health and Human Services Commission issued IFB HHS0018082 (posted October 16, 2026, bids due October 23, 2026) for consumables and food service supplies to Lufkin State Supported Living Center, spanning prepared foods and disposables rather than specialty produce; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice posted multiple solicitations for fresh fruit and vegetables to warehouse locations (IW267420, IW267411, IW253121, IW253099, IW253079) between June and October 2026 via its Bonfire procurement portal, covering bulk institutional supply rather than snake gourd; and the Bartow County School System (Georgia) issued RFP 10-2026-019 (due June 22, 2026) for local fresh fruits and vegetables sourced within 400 miles, with contract award anticipated July 20, 2026. The code shows active state and local procurement in fresh produce generally, but little to no documented recent demand for snake gourd as a line item. Geographic concentration centers on Texas and Georgia, with secondary activity in Illinois and Florida. Vendors should verify whether this code accurately tags opportunities they pursue or whether a broader produce family code better aligns with actual buying patterns.