This week, USDA announced its intention to purchase 3.5 million pounds of fresh-cut sliced apples for schools in 10 states. The total value of the purchase is estimated at $5 million. Concurrently, USDA issued the invitation to bid on Nov 30 with offers due on December 17. 

"Fresh-cut sliced apples are extremely popular with school children," said Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh vice president of nutrition and health.

The 28 million 2-ounce packages of fresh-cut sliced apples purchased by USDA will be used in school lunch programs in California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Deliveries to schools will be made from Dec 26, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

Echoing increasing school demand and student popularity, United Fresh has advocated for several years that USDA purchase significantly more fresh-cut fruits and vegetables for students.

"It is our goal to see fresh-cut sliced apples and baby carrots available for all schools by next school-year," continued Dr. DiSogra. "We are committed to working with USDA and with Congress to accomplish this goal."

This purchase expands on the fresh-cut sliced apple pilot conducted in five states last spring. Specific information about the invitation to bid can be found by clicking here. For more information on United's extensive work on child nutrition, contact Dr. DiSogra at 202-303-3400.