Under the Food Distribution Program, sponsors of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program can take advantage of U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodities including meat, poultry, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, grains, and oils. Charitable organizations and penal institutions also benefit from the program.

Nearly every school system in Maryland elects to use a portion of its annual commodity credits to take part in a unique fresh fruit and vegetable program offered by the Department of Defense (DOD). Through this program, schools can order a wide variety of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables which are selected by DOD's professional produce buyers. The produce, ranging from lettuce and tomatoes to strawberries and kiwi, is delivered by DOD to the schools.                    

What is a Commodity?

Commodities are foods the federal government purchases to help the nation's farmers and to help schools and institutions provide a variety of nutritious menu items.

Click here for related links, forms, and applications that agencies can download for their convenience.

Electronic Commodity Ordering System (ECOS)