Fueling Students Beyond the Classroom

Food Distribution helps schools have access to consistent, high-quality, domestically grown food. FDP manages USDA Foods in schools across the state, as well as coordinating the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for community partners. The overarching goal is to help create the foundation students need to succeed both in the classroom and at home.

• The Food Distribution Program (FDP) for child nutrition programs provides entitlement and bonus USDA Foods to local agencies. Over 4 million pounds of USDA donated products (commodities) valued at over $2 million are distributed in SD schools annually. In addition, over 720,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables are distributed. The money to support this comes from a portion of the USDA food entitlement. These are available to both public and non-public school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program.
• Food provided to schools through our programs helps schools expand their menus, try new offerings, and meet nutritional guidelines without added financial burden. Helping schools stretch budgets while maintaining meal quality and variety.
• Bulk Processing is another way for schools to use their entitlement. A school can designate all or a portion of its food entitlement towards the processing of raw bulk materials into usable end products. For example, raw bulk chicken pounds can be processed into chicken patties, chicken nuggets, or chicken tenders. It is the school’s responsibility to properly procure processed items they would like to purchase through a distributor. Consult with your school's business manager or superintendent to determine if you will need to do an informal or formal bidding process.