Last Friday was the deadline for bidding to supply vegetables for the School Lunch Program (SLP) according to the SLP Assistant Director, Christine Fualaau.
Fualaau says they have received approval from the US Department of Agriculture for a new bid after a ban was placed on vegetables and fruits from local farmers with the exception of those grown hydroponically.
The ban was imposed after inspections by the Agriculture Department found farms using pesticides which were not approved by USEPA, or excessive amounts.
Subsequently, the governor appointed a group made up of several agencies to do follow up inspections and educate farmers about the use of pesticides and other good framing practices.
Fualaau says the Office of Procurement is scrutinizing the bids and she expected that the winners will be announced soon.
Asked about vegetables in school meals since the ban on local produce, Fualaau said supplies were sufficient and they also ordered canned fruits and vegetables from New Zealand.
