Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Nutrition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board awards fresh-produce contract to Bix Produce for 2025'26 school year; estimated annual cost discussed
Summary
The Robbinsdale board unanimously approved Bix Produce Company as the district's fresh produce vendor for the 2025'6 school year; staff said the vendor met bid criteria and estimated annual costs could reach about $275,000 depending on demand.
The Robbinsdale Public School District board unanimously approved entering a one-year agreement (with options to extend) with Bix Produce Company to supply fresh produce for district nutrition services for the 2025'6 school year.
Kristen Moheisel, the district's chief financial officer, told the board the request for proposals (advertised July 24 and July 31) drew two interested vendors and that Bix Produce was the lowest qualified bidder who met product, capacity and responsiveness criteria. The recommended agreement is for one year with options to extend in subsequent years.
Board members asked about the difference between the vendor's reported base pricing proposal and the district's estimated annual cost. Staff said the pricing proposal (the bid line items) totaled about $193,000, but the district's estimated annual spending could reach about $275,000 depending on additional items ordered (summer school meals, special events and participation levels).
Board members also asked whether the $275,000 estimate was a "not-to-exceed" figure; staff said it was an anticipated annual spending estimate tied to participation and program needs, not a formal contractual cap. The CFO noted that meal reimbursement (through state programs) offsets much of the district's cost for breakfast and lunch.
Motion and vote: Director Hillenbrand moved to approve the contract; Director Holmes seconded. The board approved the contract by voice vote; the clerk recorded the roll call with all seven directors voting yes (7-0).
