COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P. O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 8
August 21, 1998

REGULATORY

TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: Paul D. Stapleton
Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: Letter of Agreement to Participate in DOD Fresh Produce Purchasing Project School Year 1999

  
  The Department of Agriculture (USDA)and the Department of
  Defense(DOD) have continued their agreement which permits
  School Food Authorities(SFA) to purchase fresh produce through
  the DOD, Defense Personnel Support Center (DPSC). School
  divisions may purchase fresh produce from the Department of
  Defense with federal reimbursement received for meals served
  under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
  Only federal funds (section 4 and 11) may be used for this
  procurement.  

  This program is optional and is offered as an alternative
  procurement process for fresh produce.  When deciding whether
  to participate, you should consider the effectiveness of
  current local systems for purchasing fresh products. School
  divisions are under no obligation to participate. 

  School divisions interested in participating in the Fresh
  Fruit and Vegetable Project are required to enter into a
  written agreement with the Department of Education (DOE)
  annually. 

  The Letter of Agreement to participate in the Fresh Fruit and
  Vegetable Project for 1998-99 is enclosed.  This document
  provides detailed information about the program.  Please
  review it carefully. 

  If you choose to participate, please submit two copies of the
  completed Letter of Agreement, original signatures on each,
  and a list of participating schools with addresses, phone
  numbers, and normal delivery hours to the Department of
  Education, School Nutrition Programs office for approval by
  September 4, 1998.  An approved copy will be returned to the
  school division and must be maintained on file.

  School divisions that are approved to participate will be
  contacted by Ms. Gloria Simmons, Department of Defense,
  Gloucester, Virginia, for coordination and ordering.  

  Questions regarding the USDA/DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
  Project should be directed to Catherine Digilio Grimes,
  Director,  School Nutrition Programs at (804) 225-2074/2082. 

  PDS/idl 
  Attachments: A hard copy of this memo and its attachments
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.