- The SFA's menu is the heart of the school's operation and should be driving force when completing the survey.
- The pre-order survey is the time when schools make direct delivered (brown box) and direct diverted (bulk products to a processor) requests for the following school year.
- The survey is a "wishlist" of USDA Foods that schools request for the following school year.
- The survey must be completed in order to participate in USDA Foods in Schools and the Food Distribution Program.
- This survey helps IDOE determine the amount and which USDA Foods to order from USDA.
- Both brown box and bulk products sent to processors are included on the same survey.
- Pre-allocations for the entitlement funds diverted to the Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program are posted under the entitlement tab on the survey.
- *This is a request not an order. There is no guarantee that USDA will buy or deliver items requested.
- Items should not be menued until they are showing in the SFAs inventory.
- December: Department of Defense Fresh Fruits and Vegetables entitlement diversion deadline.
- Mid to Late January: The survey typically opens.
- Mid to Late March: Survey typically closes.
Once the survey closes, it cannot be reopened. The survey must be completed by the deadline.
