Information

NWIESC, through our cooperative purchasing program, supports a group of child nutrition professionals who work together to create proposals to procure cafeteria food and supplies and USDA Commodities using our collective buying power.  Our program aids districts in providing nutritious menu items meeting USDA/IDOE guidelines, issuing bids and RFPS to meet state and USDA regulations for a free and open competition, and administering the contracts to be sure districts are getting accurate items and billing is correct.

By working in conjunction with other Indiana Educational Service Centers using our Interlocal Agreements, this team approach increases volume to drive down pricing-thus helping the school food service department be fiscally responsible.  If you are an ESC Member, participation is included in your membership!  Members of the NWIESC, the Northern Indiana Educational Services Center, the Wabash Valley Education Center, the Region 8 ESC, and the East Central Education Center work together for the betterment of the entire group! By participating in this procurement group, this reduces workload on your district school food service professional, freeing them up to do more important tasks like providing nutritious, appetizing food to your students.

Current Contracts Include:

Bakery
Dairy
Produce
Cafeteria Food & Supplies
USDA Commodity Food

NWIESC also provides the services of a contracted dietitian. This service offers your food service director the flexibility to focus more on feeding the kids and less time worrying about meeting nutritional guidelines and providing food safety and staff training. Our dietitian can set your menus, monitor calories and allergens, provide ServSafe certified training and more!

To participate in either of these programs, contact NWIESC by reaching out to Lisa Abell.