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Board approves milk and kitchen‑equipment bids totaling millions for food service
Summary
The board approved term contracts for milk and for large food‑service equipment, citing the district’s daily meal needs and a planned equipment replacement program focused on units 20 years or older.
Marion County School Board members approved two major food‑service procurement items Tuesday: a term contract for milk and milk products and a bid for large kitchen equipment to upgrade school cafeterias.
Nutrition services staff told the board the milk contract has a price tag exceeding $3 million for the contract term, supporting breakfast, lunch and dinner service across the district. The average cost per milk serving was presented as $0.81, and staff estimated average daily milk expenditures exceeding $15,000.
The large equipment bid will fund replacement of aging kitchen equipment — combi ovens, convection ovens, reach‑in coolers and freezers — and installation of new serving lines at several high schools and middle schools. Staff said the procurement will prioritize equipment 20 years or older and listed planned projects at Bellevue High School, Fort King, Lake Weir High, Oak Crest, Ocala Springs and South Ocala.
Board members approved both bids unanimously and emphasized the importance of reliable kitchen infrastructure to meet growing meal demands and maintain food safety standards. Staff will proceed with vendor contracting and scheduling of equipment replacements during the summer and upcoming school year.
