Food Purchasing for Child Care National Food Service Management Institute The University of Mississippi

Lesson 6: Food Vendor Choices

Lesson Objectives Distinguish between the two categories of vendor choices: −Retail −Wholesale Identify vendor types and explain the advantages and disadvantages Identify methods food vendors

Types of Vendor Suppliers Stores Distributors Direct from farmers Retail vendors Whole sale vendors

Market Area Analysis Identify your choices Best food at the best price Availability in the community Maintain vendor profiles

Available Vendor Choices Specialty stores Local grocery stores Supermarkets Wholesale clubs Wholesale grocery distributors Institutional distributors Intuitional jobbers

Categorize Vendors Retail −Sell small family size packages Wholesale −Sell food in larger, commercial size packages

Specialty Stores Sale unique items −Normally not available in other retail establishments Characteristics include −Originality −Authenticity

Advantages of Specialty Stores Offers a specific type of food Purchases are based on your needs Locally grown or culturally relevant Special prices for certain products

Disadvantages of Specialty Stores Can be more expensive Limited selection of food Extend shopping time due to multiple stops

Local Grocery Stores A retail store that sells food and other non- food items Vary in size and store format

Advantages of Local Grocery Stores Offer fresh, frozen, and canned foods Locally owned Offer small quantities Special orders for food not normally stocked

Disadvantages of Local Grocery Stores Limited variation of food Prices May require menu adjustments CN labeled food generally not available Limited hours

Supermarkets Very similar to local grocery stores Offer a larger variety Generally chain retail stores

Advantages of Supermarkets Often sell commercially packed foods −No.10 cans Tend to have lower prices May offer promotions and coupons Convenient hours

Disadvantages of Supermarkets Limited delivery Location May not be locally owned

Wholesale Clubs Offers large, wholesale quantities Appeal to bargain hunters and small business owners

Advantages of Wholesale Clubs Offer retail and wholesale package sizes Generally offer online and phone purchases Offer food for low prices

Disadvantages of Wholesale Clubs May require membership and fees Location CN labeled foods are generally unavailable Very large quantities

Institutional Jobbers Independent contractors Purchase food from a wholesale vendor Sell food from a truck

Advantages of Institutional Jobbers Delivers food upon request Sell both retail and wholesale package sizes

Disadvantages of Institutional Jobbers Require payment upon delivery Limited selection of food Food items may have expired dates

Wholesale Grocery Distributor A commercial food company that delivers food to various business types −Grocery stores −Child care facilities −Nursing home facilities

Advantages of Wholesale Grocery Distributors Phone and internet orders Delivery service Large variety of products

Disadvantages of Wholesale Grocery Distributors Retail-size packaging Minimum delivery requirement Limited fresh or locally grown foods

Institutional Distributors Commercial wholesale food companies Purchase, receive, and/or store commercial food products Offer name brand and generic brand

Advantages of Institutional Distributors On-site delivery CN labeled foods Lower prices Nutritional and allergy information Phone and internet orders

Disadvantages of Institutional Distributors Large packages Minimum delivery requirements Products may vary based on vendors focus Extended contracts

Finding Vendors Ask those in the community −Child care facilities −Schools −Restaurants −Hospitals

Vendor Selection Consideration Start with regulations, policies, and guidance Purchase from responsible and responsive vendors Ask for recommendations Create a vendor profile

Most Ideal Vendors

Contact your local and state agency for finding vendors…

USDA Resources Farmers’ Markets and Local Food Markets −National Farmers’ Market Search Engine −Links to publication −News releases −Farmers’ Market Coalition

Farm to School Census Schools participating in farm to school activities National and local statistics Information on locally grown foods

Department of Agriculture List of local farmers Farmers’ markets Regulations

Lesson Recap Methods for selection Advantages and disadvantages of vendors Steps for finding and assessing vendors

Questions?

National Food Service Management Institute Mission: To provide information and services that promote the continuous improvement of child nutrition programs Vision: To be the leader in providing education, research, and resources to promote excellence in child nutrition programs.