1. Food Purchasing for Child Care National Food Service Management Institute The University of Mississippi www.nfsmi.org 800-321-3054

2. Lesson 6: Food Vendor Choices

3. 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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. Disadvantages of Supermarkets Limited delivery Location May not be locally owned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31. Most Ideal Vendors

32. Contact your local and state agency for finding vendors…

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

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

35. Department of Agriculture List of local farmers Farmers’ markets Regulations

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

37. Questions?

38. 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.