Commodity Processing of USDA Foods

Commodity processing is essential to bring commodity foods from the plant to the tray, which is why Choice Partners national cooperative has joined forces with more than 35 food companies to bring many of the country’s most beloved brands to schools. A competitively awarded cooperative purchasing contract for commodity processing with Choice Partners helps your school or governmental entity stretch those commodity dollars while increasing the acceptability and appeal of your menus.

Types of food available for commodity processing include:

• Cheese and Mozzarella
• Fruits
• Meats
• Staples
• Vegetables

Commodity processing allows state distributing agencies and eligible recipient agencies such as school districts to contract with commercial food processors to convert raw bulk USDA commodities into more convenient, ready-to-use food products. Most of the commodities processed go to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Commodity processing expands donated food use from a limited number of commodities to a broader array of nutritionally sound, popular items, while keeping labor costs to a minimum.