UNSPSC 50407035: Kudzu

The type of vegetable known as kudzu

UNSPSC 50407035 Kudzu is a Commodity code that does not reflect state and local procurement activity in the recent opportunities dataset. The code nominally names a plant species, but state and local governments soliciting under this code are actually buying fresh produce, prepared foods, and food service supplies for institutional food service operations—particularly cafeteria, canteen, and meal-program delivery to correctional facilities, state-supported living centers, schools, senior centers, and mental health facilities. This represents a significant mismatch between the code's abstract name and what is actually being procured. The recent opportunities show substantial activity in fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, bananas, carrots, potatoes, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and seasonal items), prepared or frozen entrees and proteins, dairy products, condiments, and disposable food service supplies delivered to institutional kitchens on a recurring or seasonal basis.

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 and city governments (Collier County, City of San Antonio), school districts and nutrition programs (Madison Metropolitan School District, Bartow County Schools, Dougherty County Board of Education, Early County Board of Education, Bryan County Schools), and specialized organizations (Head Start of Greater Dallas, Marion Health Care Coalition). Texas and Georgia jurisdictions dominate recent activity, with secondary activity in Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Representative recent opportunities include the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's IFB HHS0018082 (October 2026) soliciting consumable foods and food service supplies for Lufkin State Supported Living Center with an October 23, 2026 response date; the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's multiple solicitations for fresh produce (September–October 2026) to regional food warehouses; the Madison Metropolitan School District's RFB 4163 (July 2026) for fresh fruit and vegetable snacks sourced within 400 miles and Wisconsin; and the Bartow County School System's RFP for local fresh fruits and vegetables within 400 miles for the 2026-2027 school year (June 2026 deadline). Contract terms typically run one to three years with renewal options, and awards are made on low-bid or best-value criteria with emphasis on specification compliance, delivery performance, and cost. No set-asides or preference programs are consistently reported across the opportunities.