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The Ohio Commodity Distribution Program (CDP) distributes United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) donated food to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Commodity foods are staples -- such as meats, cheese, fruits and vegetables -- distributed to eligible nutrition programs within U.S. schools and agencies. These foods are intended to account for no more than approximately 20 percent of a school district’s total school lunch budget. To view examples of commodity foods distributed in Ohio, click here.
How Commodity Foods are Distributed
The Ohio CDP distributes commodity foods to participating schools and/or agencies based on their "entitlement." Entitlement dollars are earned by each program participant (i.e., school district) in accordance with USDA guidelines, and are determined and allocated by the number of student lunches served in the previous year multiplied by the USDA commodity reimbursement rate.
Periodically, the USDA and/or the Ohio CDP distribute certain commodity foods as a "bonuses" to participating schools on a fair-share basis. Bonus commodity foods, offered as they become available through agricultural surpluses and market conditions, do not count against a state’s regular entitlement dollars.
The CDP receives guidance from the Commodity Advisory Board, which meets three (3) times a year to advise staff on specific CDP directions, and to review new and existing commodity food offerings and policies. To learn more about the Commodity Advisory Board, click here.
For more information or questions, contact:
Ohio Commodity Distribution Program
Phone: (855) 338-2666
Fax: (614) 752-7613
Email: commodityfoods@education.ohio.gov
Ray Cook, Assistant Director, ray.cook@education.ohio.gov
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