Resources

Nutrition Programs

Food Distribution Program



bullet Rising Food Prices Affecting Commodity Purchasing

Image for CommodityThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has alerted the states that due to higher prices, there is significantly less purchasing capabilities for school year (SY) 2009.  Schools are still entitled to the same amount of Planned Assistance Level (PAL); however, that same PAL value will only buy 80 percent of what it could before the escalating commodity prices. The USDA has already started to delete commodity orders and schools should expect a 20 percent reduction in the amount of commodity food they will receive. If you have any questions or concerns contact Food Distribution Program staff at (217) 782-2491.

bullet Anticipated Commodities Chart—SY09

PDF Document (Updated 11/08)

bullet Complaint Forms

  • USDA Donated Commodities word document
  • Delivery Complaints on USDA Donated Commodities word document
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    bullet Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program



    bullet Food Distribution Program Handbook PDF File (Updated 11/14/06)

    bullet Food Recall Information



    bullet Food Safety



    bullet Illinois Commodity System (ICS)
    We recommend you visit the ICS site regularly to stay informed about the latest Food Distribution Program news. This site provides you with an online tool making it easier for you to manage your commodities. This is where you will find the Annual Order Form, Monthly Commodity Bulletins, Food Alerts, Lanter's Delivery Schedule, new commodities being offered, commodity values and pack sizes, important dates, and much more. You can also keep your school's address, phone numbers, and contact information up-to-date, as well as modify your monthly delivery if necessary. You can even send an email directly to the Food Distribution Program staff.



    bullet ICS Computer System Requirements for Access


    bullet ICS Delivery Site Change Form Excel File


    bullet ICS Instruction Manual PDF File (Updated 10/30/06)


    bullet ICS New User Information Sheet PDF File


    bullet ICS New User Registration Form Word File


    bullet ICS Ordering/Processing
  • School Year 2009 Annual Commodity Order Instructions
  • Processing Basics
  • USDA Approved National Processors List
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    bullet Lanter Delivery Schedule SY2009 Excel File (Updated 9/15/08)



    bullet Program Description



    bullet USDA Commodity Food Network
    The USDA Commodity Food Network (CFN) is the first ever one-stop Federal website that provides direct access to all services and resources available for USDA Food Distribution Programs.



    bullet USDA Food Distribution Programs
    The USDA Food Distribution Programs (FD) website contains a wide variety of resources on nutrition-related topics. We recommend you explore this site to obtain information useful in administering nutrition and food distribution programs.