Pierce County is seeking reliable suppliers to procure, prepare, plan and distribute nutritious food and meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Pierce County, WA, with a specific focus on smaller towns and communities located in East Pierce County. The selected supplier(s) will be responsible for purchasing, processing, and transporting food items to existing storage and distribution centers. These supplies will be available to, and utilized by various organizations such as food pantries, food banks, shelters, food delivery programs, and meals sites or households experiencing food instability. The scope of work includes procurement, quality assurance, storage, transportation, and delivery of food supplies. Detailed Specifications These specifications and standards must be adhered to when providing food supplies: A. The food supplies must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding food safety and quality standards. B. All perishable food items must have appropriate shelf life, preferably not less than the average consumption rate within the program. C. All food supplies should be sourced from reputable vendors, farmers, food producers, and manufacturers. D. Fresh produce should be sourced locally whenever possible to support local agriculture and ensure freshness. E. Food supplies should be diverse, culturally relevant where applicable and nutritionally balanced, including but not limited to grains, fruits, vegetables, herbs, dairy products, meats, and nonperishable goods. F. Food supplies must be free from any contamination, pests, or foreign substances. G. All packaging materials must be intact, secure, and appropriate for the type of food items being delivered. H. Products with any special dietary considerations (e.g., gluten-free, allergen-free) should be clearly labeled. I. The supplier must maintain a comprehensive inventory management system to track stock levels, expiration dates, and restocking requirements.
