FJJA Member Update

The Association is pleased to announce the creation of a Contract Providers
Food Service Buyers Group. The program is operated by M&S Foods Ltd. Company.

The concept is simple. M&S has established a Food Service Buyers Group for  Association members with the goal of providing high quality food products, chemicals, and paper products at lower prices than presently paid by the industry with more responsive delivery schedules from the agency's existing food service company. This is an opportunity to utilize one of Florida's most experienced and knowledgeable food service teams while earning essential CMBE credits for every dollar spent.

The Department has been concerned that most providers are not fully in step with the Governor's  initiative. The Governor's Office has charged all agencies the task of increasing participation in CMBE programming. This year the Department has made a deliberate effort to contact each of the 25 largest providers asking them to expand their participation in CMBE programs. After personnel, food is the largest expenditure for an agency so a program such as this is a natural fit. 

The Association has met with the Department and they are pleased we have begun this initiative.It is easy to get involved with this program. M&S Foods is asking each provider to complete a brief survey on existing food purchase practices including types and quantity of food purchased. A credit application is also required. Once completed, the provider can then be added to the network. M&S Foods has contracts in place with food distributors networking the state. Once the first delivery is made, the provider can start counting the CMBE credits.

The best thing about the buyers group is its ability to reduce prices. Once a certain volume of purchasing takes place, M&S negotiates with food, janitorial and paper companies to negotiate lower prices based on the volume of purchase. This provides an additional benefit to the members participating in the program. All members are encouraged to take a close look at and participate in this program. 

For information, contact Christy Johnson at (352) 332-5166 or cjohnson@msfoodservice.com

Please do not hesitate to contact the Association if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions on how to enhance the program.