NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - The foodservice sector is booming with growth, and K-12 schools are one burgeoning segment with valuable opportunities for fresh produce suppliers. Recently, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) coordinated a School Foodservice Partner X-Change to connect produce providers with leading K-12 school menu planners from 18 of the largest school districts and early childcare education providers in the United States.

“K-12 schools are often the ‘largest restaurant in town’ and can be a collaborative partner to introduce thousands of schoolchildren to a new produce item, as well as to a variety of traditional produce choices on a consistent basis,” said Andrew Marshall, IFPA’s Staff Liaison for Wholesaler-Distributor Members, and lead staffer on engagement opportunities with the K-12 school nutrition community.

The virtual event connected buyers and sellers for 15-minute meetings, allowing suppliers to highlight their company’s capabilities and products, including bulk produce and fresh-cut items, as well as kid-friendly single-serve produce snacks, as noted in a press release.

“These recent meetings were invaluable, providing much-needed insights into how schools are currently offering meals and what their needs and interests are for the future,” said Michelle Roberts, Director of Marketing for Taylor Farms Foodservice. “Some schools are returning to salad bars, some are still very much in need of individually wrapped single-portion produce, and some want a grab n’ go fresh meal that includes all food components, so it’s fully reimbursable according to USDA standards. Overall, IFPA’s Partner X-Change was helpful to understand how school administrators are thinking, and it was great to hear their interest and commitment to making ‘fresh’ options more readily available to their students.”

According to the release, the Partner X-Change was established to bolster the produce industry’s understanding of K-12 schools as a foodservice customer and to create more opportunities to increase children’s access to and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“I would encourage any produce suppliers that work with schools, or that are interested in selling to this important customer, to get more involved with the association and encourage your school contacts to do so as well,” said Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Farms. “Supporting healthy options for our youngest consumers at school is without question an investment in a vibrant future for our kids and our industry.”

For more information on the recent School Foodservice Partner X-Change, click here.

AndNowUKnow is always bringing the latest news in the fresh produce industry, so be sure to check out our next newsletter.

International Fresh Produce Association