Produce Items and Distribution Services

The government authority in Boston, Massachusetts is seeking a vendor to provide produce items and related distribution services. The scope includes supplying and delivering food products both to a central warehouse and directly to schools.

The solicitation outlines detailed nutritional and ingredient restrictions. Restricted ingredients include sugary syrups such as high-fructose corn syrup, maltose, and dextrose; caffeine; certain natural flavors subject to review and allergen risk; and nitrites or nitrates, with processed meats required to be nitrite- and nitrate-free. The authority also requires allergen and sensitivity awareness regarding naturally derived colorings such as annatto and cochineal extract/carmine, flavor enhancers and proteins including hydrolyzed vegetable protein, monosodium glutamate, and mycoprotein, as well as preservatives such as benzoates, benzoic acid, and sulfites.

Product specifications further require fruits to be no-sugar-added or packed in juice, with dried fruit following sugar guidelines. Frozen or canned vegetables must be salt-free or low-sodium. Meat products must be whole muscle with no fillers; beef must be lean and graded Choice or better; and products may not be rendered, irradiated, or contain meat not meeting the stated requirements. Questions are due by August 3, 2026.