Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

The Cherokee County School District is soliciting sealed bids for the procurement and delivery of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and value-added produce products for the 2026-2027 school year. This contract supports the District's Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Afterschool Snack Program. The initial term begins upon award and continues through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years. Award will be granted to the lowest priced overall responsive and responsible offeror, with a primary evaluation focus on unit pricing. The successful contractor must provide all labor, transportation, and food-safe packaging, ensuring products meet USDA Grade standards and are delivered fresh and free of defects. All temperature-sensitive items require proper refrigerated transportation. The District maintains the right to conduct announced or unannounced inspections of contractor facilities and requires that any rejected products be replaced within 24 hours at no additional cost. Bidders must provide at least three references, preferably from educational environments, and submit one original and one copy of their bid in a sealed envelope by September 23, 2026. Compliance requirements include adherence to the Drug-Free Workplace Act, South Carolina Procurement Law, and USDA regulations governing child nutrition. Contractors must ensure all personnel assigned to District facilities pass criminal background checks and comply with Buy American requirements. Price adjustments are permitted via a request submitted 14 days prior to a contract extension, with increases capped at 3 percent or the adjusted change from the Southeast Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, whichever is less. Payment is processed via P-Card or ACH after the delivery of products.