UNSPSC 50405705: Purple potatoes

The variety of potatoes known as purple potatoes

UNSPSC 50405705 Purple potatoes is a Commodity code. State and local governments procure fresh and processed potatoes—including purple potatoes, white potatoes, and sweet potatoes—for institutional food service operations across correctional facilities, mental health centers, state-supported living centers, school districts, and senior services programs. Recent solicitations show demand for bulk quantities of potatoes for canning, fresh delivery to prison and hospital food warehouses, and inclusion in broader fresh produce and cafeteria food product contracts. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is the dominant repeat buyer under this code, issuing multiple competitive bids for white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and fresh produce supplies to support inmate feeding programs across its distribution network. State health and human services commissions, school nutrition programs, and county corrections departments round out the issuing-body mix.

Activity is concentrated in Texas, Georgia, and Illinois, with Texas Department of Criminal Justice procurement dominating recent postings. Representative recent opportunities include Texas TDCJ's IFB IW253099 for bulk white potatoes (bids due June 23, 2026) and IFB IW253121 for sweet potatoes for canning (bids due June 23, 2026), both submitted electronically through the TDCJ Procurement Portal; the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's IFB HHS0017799 for food service groceries at Mexia State Supported Living Center (bids due August 25, 2026), which included potatoes among 20 food line items; and the Illinois Department of Corrections' small-business-set-aside RFQ 27426DOCJOLIEB53849 for fresh produce delivery to Joliet Treatment Center (quotes due September 3, 2026), which specified potatoes among the required fresh vegetable roster. School districts in Georgia—Bartow County (RFP 10-2026-019 for local fresh fruits and vegetables, proposals due June 22, 2026) and Dougherty County (sealed bids for fresh produce, bids due June 16, 2026)—also list potatoes as commodity line items in broader produce contracts. Vendors should note that Texas TDCJ procurement requires electronic submission through the Bonfire Hub system and mandates E-Verify compliance, debarment certification, and firm pricing for 30 days. School district opportunities often include local-sourcing preferences and may apply weighted scoring for diverse-owned business status.