Protein Packaging Center Update
We want to share an important update regarding the Protein Packaging Center (PPC). After successfully ramping up to a consistent 100,000 pounds of protein packaged per month, we paused production for our first-ever preventative maintenance on the newly upgraded PPC. This annual process took longer than anticipated due to the complexity of the upgraded systems.
During our recent production pause, we remained committed to providing access to orderable protein. While the available options may not have included our ideal varieties or top choices, we ensured consistent protein supply to support your needs. As production resumes, the variety of protein available will be expanding.
While we initially planned to reopen in mid-September, we were able to secure additional equipment that will enhance PPC’s capabilities. To accommodate this upgrade, we made the strategic decision to extend the closure, allowing us to recoat the flooring and prepare the space for installation. The new equipment is expected to arrive in mid-October, and production is now scheduled to resume on Monday, Nov. 3.
We understand the impact this extended pause may have had and apologize for not communicating sooner. Our goal is to ensure the PPC is operating at its highest potential to better serve our partners long-term. In FY25 alone, the PPC processed over 1 million pounds of protein and we’re committed to building on that success with even greater efficiency and capacity.
Inventory Update
This is a list of the variety of inventory items you will come across on Agency Express’ Shopping List. To supplement key items that we are not able to find from USDA or donated sources, we purchase staple items that are available for ordering. A list of these staple items is below by category description and item variety. As a reminder, the staple items we purchase are kept on hand to help fill gaps when USDA or donated inventory is inconsistent. These items play a vital role in maintaining continuity in our inventory.
Inventory Variety
| Bulk | Most donated items are received as bulk, this product is then separated, weighed and bagged by volunteers, individual items are then created for agency ordering. |
|---|---|
| Rework | Packed mix of like items, historically our biggest area of donated food but has been decreasing, sourcing now from out of state. |
| Brites | Commonly name-brand cans without labels, these are sourced with moderate discount and volunteers apply Food Bank printed labels. |
| Fresh Produce | We created mixed pallets with the variety available to give, these are sorted and palletized by volunteers and warehouse staff. |
| Fresh or Frozen Bread | Donated to us after being pulled from shelves, sorted and boxed by volunteers. |
| Purchase | About 60 “staple” items are kept in stock for agency ordering. |
| USDA | Fluctuates yearly with funding and product availability outside of our control. |
Staple Purchased Items
| Category Description | Items |
|---|---|
| Meat/Fish/Poultry | Canned chicken, canned tuna, vienna sausage, hot dogs (frozen). |
| Protein: Non-meat | Fresh eggs, canned pinto beans, dry pinto beans, canned black-eyed peas, refried beans and peanut butter. |
| Cereal: Hot and cold | Toasted O’s, corn flakes and quick oats. |
| Fruit: Canned and frozen | Canned pineapple, canned peaches, canned mixed fruit and canned pears. |
| Juice: 100% fruit or vegetable | Apple juice 64 oz. |
| Vegetables: Canned or frozen | Canned pork and beans, canned sweet potatoes, canned spinach, canned green beans, canned corn, canned cream corn, canned carrots, canned potatoes, canned peas and canned mixed vegetables. |
| Complete Meal/Soup | Cream of mushroom soup, chicken noodle soup, dinners (lasagna, stroganoff and cheeseburger), cream of chicken soup, ravioli with meat, vegetable or tomato soup, sloppy joe (manwich) and beef stew. |
| Mixed and assorted food | Pancake mix, corn muffin mix and cornbread mix. |
| Rice | Brown rice and white rice. |
| Pasta | Spaghetti, elbow mac or alternative and mac and cheese. |
| Dairy | Block cheese and shelf stable milk. |
| Spice/Condiment/Sauce | Grape jelly, pancake syrup, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and diced tomatoes with chili. |
| Dressings: Salad/Mayonnaise | Ranch dressing. |
| Snack food | Crackers-saltines. |
| Paper product | Paper towels and bath tissue. |
| Assorted non-food | Plastic sacks, egg cartons, cardboard boxes and plastic wrap. |
To purchase donated and USDA products that we cannot source, we purchase staple items that are available for agency order.
Behind the Scenes of USDA
We want to share some “behind the scenes” information on the TEFAP / USDA foods. As we source USDA, there are two types of Commodities: Entitlement and Bonus. Entitlement is the core of USDA and Bonus are additional items that are made available based on agricultural market shifts.
At the Partner Agency Conference last spring, we shared that we were expecting a decrease of 22,600 cases in USDA Bonus items offered during the summer months (July – September), compared to the similar time period in 2024. Unfortunately, this forecast has been accurate, and the decline is reflected in our current inventory levels that you are seeing on Agency Express. This decline in inventory comes from a few factors. First, less items are available to be sourced. Second, items are sourced but loads are cancelled.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic. We expect USDA deliveries in October and November to be approximately three times what we received in September.
There are two types of TEFAP commodities:
- Entitlement – appropriated funds to purchase food from USDA.
- Bonus – additional unappropriated products purchased by USDA to support agricultural markets.
TEFAP entitlement orders are placed about six months before receiving product from USDA.
Upcoming Closures impacting regular delivery schedule
10/31: All Staff Annual Retreat
11/27: Thanksgiving Day
11/28: Day After Thanksgiving
12/24: Christmas Eve
12/25: Christmas Day
12/31: New Year’s Eve
1/1: New Year’s Day