Utah Seeks Local Beef and Tree Fruit Vendors for School Meal Programs
New state solicitation creates opportunities for Utah producers to access school markets
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from Utah beef and fruit vendors, creating new opportunities for local producers to supply food for school meal programs across the state. Producers and other eligible vendors are invited to review the solicitation and submit a proposal.
The previous opportunity, opened in 2023 for beef and bison producers, connected six eligible producers with approximately 135 school food authorities, resulting in $1.9 million in local purchases. All schools and producers who responded to program feedback said they would participate again. This RFP adds tree fruit, giving schools another way to serve Utah-grown food, help students learn where their food comes from, and support Utah’s agricultural economy.
“These contracts are exactly the kind of transformative opportunity we work to create for Utah producers. Expanding access to institutional markets is a key priority for our department,” said Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Kelly Pehrson. “Connecting Utah farmers and ranchers with schools strengthens markets for our producers, keeps more food dollars in our state, and gives students access to fresh, nutritious food produced closer to home.”
The solicitation represents an important step in expanding opportunities for Utah producers in increasing the availability of local food in schools. Through the solicitation, USBE will evaluate proposals and determine which vendors qualify for state contracts. A state contract puts an approved vendor in the state purchasing system, making it easier for schools to purchase their products. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee a contract or a purchase from a school.
The RFP and submission instructions are available through Utah’s Public Procurement Place at utah.bonfirehub.com under solicitation USBE-JB26254-RFP. Questions about the solicitation must be submitted through its Q&A process before October 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. MDT. Proposals are due October 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. MDT.
Producers seeking additional guidance on the application can contact the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Value Chain Coordinator, Kate Wheeler, at [email protected].
About Utah Farm to Fork: Utah Farm to Fork is a joint initiative of USBE, UDAF, and local partners across the state connecting Utah producers, schools, and communities to increase local food in school meals and strengthen students’ connection to Utah agriculture.
Follow the progress of the project by visiting www.farmtoschool.utah.gov and signing up for the newsletter to stay up to date.
Media: UDAF and USBE can help connect reporters with representatives who can speak on the RFP process and effect on schools and producers. To arrange an interview with UDAF, contact Public Information Officer Leon Page at [email protected] or 801-946-5647. To arrange an interview with USBE, contact Joseph Borrack at [email protected].
Photos: UDAF-provided photos are available for media use and may be downloaded here: Farm to School Clips
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