The American Samoa Farmers Co-Op is seeking advise from their legal counsel after Chief Procurement Officer, Dr. Oreta Crichton, reportedly refused to provide them with the names of the winning bidders for the supply of fruits and vegetables for the School Lunch Program.
The association’s President, Moe Togiola and Vice President Pritt Samatua tell KHJ News that when they delivered produce to the School Lunch Program yesterday they discovered that the Office of Procurement has gone against what Governor Lolo and the farmers agreed to …that is no one without a farm would be eligible to supply local produce for the School Lunch Program.
The American Samoa Farmers Co-Op officials identified that the owner of the Hong Kong Restaurant, has been allowed to bid even though she doesn’t have a farm.
She reportedly buys produce from local farmers for the School Lunch Program.
When DOE changed the bidding for the School lunch Program last year local farmers were in an uproar and after several meetings between the Department of Agriculture, Procurement and School Lunch. Governor Lolo intervened.
At a meeting with media present members of the Farmers Co op got assurances from the governor that anyone without a farm would be ineligible to bid for the School Lunch Program.
Samatua said in an interview with KHJ News yesterday when they pressed CPO Dr Crichton why the owner of Hong Kong is being allowed to bid again, they were told she has met some of the bid requirements which she couldn’t before.
Specifically, she is now able to provide fruits she was not able to deliver before.
The American Samoa Farmers Co-Op said after they see their lawyer, they will also make an appointment to see Governor Lolo.
