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DoD Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program

Information regarding Department of Defense fresh produce available to participants of the National School Lunch Program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a contract with the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Supply Office (DSO) to provide fresh produce to recipient agencies. The Department of Defense Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Project is a service that allows agencies to use a portion of their entitlement money to order fresh fruits and vegetables.

Entitlement Spending

Warehouse agencies order selected seasonal DoD produce through the allocation process. Agencies are charged a service and handling fee for every case of produce delivered through the State Distribution Center.

State Co-op members order and receive produce directly from the DoD as needed and a $0.15 administrative fee is assessed by the State for each case of produce delivered. In instances where the DoD cannot provide direct delivery, State Co-op members order selected seasonal DoD produce through the pre-planner. Members are charged a service and handling fee of $2.85 for each case of produce delivered through the State Distribution Center.

Private Co-ops and direct ship agencies order domestically grown fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the DoD as needed. A private distributor delivers DoD produce to each agency. A $0.15 administrative fee is assessed by the State for each case of produce delivered.

DoD Fact Sheets
DoD Offering Schedule/List
External Food Service Personnel and Educators

USDA DoD Program Information External link opens in new window or tab.
Information on the DoD Program from the USDA.

Contacts

California Department of Education
Food Distribution Program Customer Service
Phone: 916-324-7132
Email: FoodDistribution@cde.ca.gov

California Defense Supply Office Customer Service
Genaro Cordova
Phone: 559-267-3993
Email: genaro.cordova@dla.mil

Questions:   Food Distribution Program | 916-324-7132
Last Reviewed: Thursday, April 03, 2025
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