RFP 026-41 Commercial & USDA Foods

Meriden Public Schools seeks proposals from qualified vendors for the supply and distribution of groceries, beverages, produce, and further processed USDA Foods. The total value of the contract for the school year 2026-2027 is anticipated to be approximately $3,100,000.

The goal of the Meriden Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services Program is to ensure healthy meals are served in a safe cafeteria environment. In the 2025-2026 school year, there were 8,200 enrolled students across 13 school sites. All school sites have elected the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Community Eligibility Provision, which is a non-pricing meal service option that allows Meriden Public Schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students.

To continue serving nutritious, appealing meals to students, Meriden Public Schools seeks to partner with a vendor that can supply and deliver a varied menu of products, including commercial products and further processed USDA Foods, to all sites in accordance with USDA FNS Child Nutrition Program (CNP) requirements.

Successful performance under this contract will result in dependable access to high-quality products for Meriden Public Schools, enabling uninterrupted meal service. Meriden Public Schools will work collaboratively with the selected vendor to maintain performance outcomes so that all school sites can consistently serve planned menus to students.