Lieutenant Commander Calvin R. Scheidt, Officer in Charge of the Defense Subsistence Office in Gloucester described this opportunity at the recent Virginia School Food Service Association meeting. It was well received with interest expressed by Virginia school division personnel that the Department of Defense resources be made available this Spring. The produce purchasing agreement has resulted in an increase in the variety and quality of produce available to schools. In addition, school food authorities have reported a savings of 23 to 30 percent in produce purchases. This opportunity benefits schools by maximizing the use of funds, improving produce quality, and providing a way to serve students more fresh fruit and vegetables.
Students benefit with the increased choices available and the nutrient contribution to their diets.
The Department of Defense's commitment is to provide the best quality produce at the best price with customer satisfaction as the first priority. The office provides an automated ordering system, frequent deliveries, and daily communications. Both commercial produce vendors and defense department delivery systems are used. All produce must meet the high standards of the Department of Defense. Virginia school food authorities may participate effective May, 1997.