A new process
Because of the high expense associated with third-party processing, MPS is kicking off a project to start breaking down produce in its central kitchen. Currently, more than 75 tons of local farm-to-school veggies are being processed off-site, Augustine says. “To get the project started, we have purchased—with the help of USDA grants—a wedging/slicing machine and a dicing machine, as well as a conveyor belt system to pull and move these products through the process,” he says. Next up: a washing and peeling machine, which will allow MPS to make its purchases directly from farmers, with the hope of long-term savings.