Food Distribution Programs

Through the Food Distribution Program (FDP), the USDA makes a variety of donated foods (referred to as commodities) available to institutions and programs that provide nutritional services to eligible persons. These institutions and programs include the National School Lunch Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides commodities to soup kitchens and food banks. Other charitable institutions also occasionally receive food.

Depending on market conditions, as many as 40 to 60 different commodities may be supplied to participants during the year. The commodities may be frozen, canned, fresh, or dry and include meats, poultry, vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy products.

Not all commodities are available in every setting. In some situations, commodities are offered in addition to cash assistance for meal services. The commodities are acquired through three congressionally authorized agricultural support programs: price support, surplus removal, and the National School Lunch Program.

Participating agencies enter into an annual agreement to receive commodities. The commodities may be earned according to a rate per meal served or based on population and poverty/unemployment statistics, depending on the particular program. In addition, there are some bonus commodities which can be ordered on an as-needed basis.

Files and Links

Commodities items available from Warehouse as of Aug 19th 2008 Excel

Warehouse Release Change Form PDF

Commodity Complaint Form
PDF

Report of Shipment Recieved Over, Short and/or Damaged PDF

Annual Storage Facility Self-Evaluation Form PDF

USDA Commodities in the National School Lunch ProgramPDF

Processing
  • National Processing Agreement (NPA) State Participation Agreement (SPA) Word
  • Monthly Performance Report linked to SPA document
    Excel

Anticipated Delivery Schedule for Utah Recipient Agencies 2008-09

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

"Best If Used By Dates"

FDP Policy Bulletins

TEFAP Policy Bulletins

FDP Frequently Asked Questions

Fresh Fruits And Vegetables Order Receipt System ordering manual

For questions about safe handling of food see askkaren.gov

Commodity Food Fact Sheets for Schools & Institutions

USDA Food Distribution Homepage

USDA Electronic Commodity Ordering System (ECOS)

Additional Links

Contact

Warren[dot]Gaddis[at]schools [dot] utah [dot] gov
Warren Gaddis

Assistant Director
Policy and Commodities
(801)538-7687

Barbara[dot]Faust[at]schools [dot] utah [dot] gov
Barbie Faust

Commodities Specialist
(801)538-7691

Charlene[dot]Johnson[at]schools [dot] utah [dot] gov
Char Johnson

Commodities Technician
(801)538-7688

Commodities Fax
(801)538-7585

See our Staff List for additional contacts