Food Advisory Group: Enhancing State Government Food Distribution
Founded in 1959, the Food Advisory Group plays a crucial role in facilitating food contracts administered by DAS for state agencies. Meeting quarterly, the group evaluates food items, explores savings opportunities, and supports better communication with vendors. Through collective efforts, DAS and client agency users negotiate advantageous pricing, increasing buying power and promoting cost-saving methods. This initiative ensures conformity in food operations, encourages innovation, and fosters open discussions for service improvement.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Food Advisory Group Don Casella, Contract Team Leader
Background The creation of the commodity Food Advisory Group goes back to 1959 when the CT Statute Sec. 4a-56. Purchasing Standards and Specifications was codified. In the late 1990 s a standards committee which was solely focused on establishing standards was disbanded. DAS continues the Food Advisory Group to give using agencies the opportunity to provide feedback and input for product needs on the current and future contracts. The purpose is to have a contract in place that meets the needs of the using agencies. Without the Food Advisory Group, DAS may have a lesser quality contract.
Food Contracts Administered by DAS Food Distribution and USDA Warehousing, Program SYSCO Milk, Milk Products, Cream and Related Products Guida Seibert Dairy Wades Dairy, Inc. Purchase and Delivery of Fresh Bakery Products Bimbo Bakeries
Food Advisory Group Food Advisory Group Food Service Directors and staff for each using agency Business Office Staff Sysco Customer Service Representative Bakery and Dairy Contract Customer Service Representatives DAS Contract Specialist
Food Advisory Group Meets on a quarterly basis. Evaluates food and related items and views presentations by brokers, manufacturer's representatives, etc. that pertain to the contract (example, top sellers and new or comparable items that may positively affect pricing). Contractor s Account Executive is required by contract to attend meetings To discuss savings opportunities, new products, standards, current industry trends, etc. Recommend product offerings and discuss the latest ideas and culinary trends Provides an in-depth variety of product offerings and special programs designed to meet the needs of the using agencies.
Savings Working together, DAS and the Client Agency Users: Negotiated some of the most advantageous pricing for food distribution in state government. Prompt Payment Discounts (Since November 1, 2015 through May 1, 2017, agencies received over $200,000.00 in rebates) Deviations and GPO (Group Purchasing Organizations) Initiatives( Deviations: January, 2017 through June, 2017 $431,314.14) (HPSI Rebates: $12,275.83) Branded Products (Percentage discount of total food purchases)
Benefits Increases the State s buying power Creates better communication with Vendors Collectively addresses contract and food quality issues Supports conformity in operations of Food services throughout agencies Gives the agencies a platform to see new products that may help reduce costs Gives the State the availability to increase rebates and other cost saving methods Open discussion of ideas to better improve services Allows users to be informed about current issues/problems users may be having, as well as what corrective action/possible solutions are available. Allows users to provide input collectively as a group regarding upcoming bids and/or contract renewals that affect Food Service operations. Fosters relationships and consistent communication with users and DAS Contract Specialist. Able to utilize opportunity buys across agencies which helps to save the state money. Users are able to interact with contractors Performance issues are addressed
