Product and Shipping Policy and Guidelines

All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer shipments were coordinated through Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative (WFHC).

OPTIONS FOR TRANSPORT INCLUDED:

• Delivery by WFHC

  1. Delivery by a WFHC WI LFPA Sub-Contractor

  2. Pick-up by Food Pantry

  3. Self-Delivery in Refrigerated Commercial Vehicle

SHIPPING GUIDELINES:

• All growers were slotted into a route at the beginning of the season.

• Weekly Transport/Shipping Request form were completed by Thursday, the week prior to scheduled pickup. If farmers vary from their scheduled route or gave less notice, they were charged the hourly rate for pickup.

• All products were palletized (see pallet standards) before arrival and no boxes weighed more than 50 pounds.

• Bill of Lading was present with the correct product and quantity listed.

• Invoice was standardized, filled out in its entirety, and submitted within 24 hours of shipping.

• Product was packed to spec (see Produce Specifications in Important Program Documents section in Appendix); packaging was included in costs.

• All cases of product and pallets were labeled with traceability stickers/labels (see traceability and pallet stickers). They could be handwritten, printed, or pre-printed.

• Farmers could not use personal vehicles for delivery. All perishable products were delivered in a refrigerated vehicle using the following guidelines:

  • Produce and meat were delivered below 40 degrees.

  • Exceptions:

    • Dry onions, potatoes (other than sweet), rutabagas and winter squash need to be kept between 50°-60° F.

    • Sweet potatoes - do not need refrigeration.

    • Unripe tomatoes can be delivered at room temperature but ripened tomatoes should be refrigerated around 50 degrees.

    • Apples need to be shipped below 40 degrees unless they are transported immediately after harvest.