Mohave’s Year-End Close
– Your Help is Needed
by Procurement Team
Just like your agency, Mohave goes through a fiscal year close-out process. We begin that process on September 1st once our members have officially closed their books for the prior year.
You may be receiving an email from Mohave requesting pay histories. Your pay history will help us close our records while ensuring vendors have accurately reported all invoices. The request will be a small percentage of your Mohave orders. Please fill out the spreadsheet attached to the email or provide copies of your accounting system pay history report for the requested PO’s.
If you have questions, contact the specialist who sent you the email or call Erin Gordon at 928-718-3216. We appreciate your timely response, so we can close fiscal year 22/23.
Going to NIGP Regional Conference?
Come Visit Mohave’s Booth!!
by Contracts Team
It’s been a while since Mohave Cooperative has attended the NIGP Regional Conference due to conflicting events. However, we are back and excited to see everyone. Mohave will have representatives from multiple departments that provide you with member service, should you have any questions for us. We are looking forward to seeing you at our Booth #25. We also plan to attend some of the sessions. See you on October 12th at the Mesa Convention Center.
ASPIN: Buy American Initiative
by ASPIN Team
The “Buy American” initiative in the context of child nutrition programs involves sourcing food products and ingredients from domestic producers, farmers, and manufacturers. The expectation is School Food Authorities (SFA) purchase, to the maximum extent practical, domestic commodities or products.
- What are some of the benefits of this initiative?
- 1. Promotion of Agriculture: Provides a stable market for American farmers and producers
- 2. Food Security: Schools contribute to domestic producers’ food system security and resilience
- 3. Domestic Economy: Sourcing in America generates jobs, income, and stability
- How can I ensure success in my district?
- 1. Collaboration: Communication with your distributor, cooperative, and providers on the products and quantities your program requires
- 2. Menu planning: Planning menus to highlight seasonally available items
- 3. Nutrition Education and Promotion: Educate students, parents, and the community about the benefits of Buy American
Are there exceptions to buying domestic products?
Yes, USDA allows for Buy American exceptions when an SFA determines availability, cost, or an alternative is not practicable. An exception form is available on the Arizona Department of Education: Health and Nutrition Services webpage. https://www.azed.gov/hns/nslp/forms
How does ASPIN assist with compliance?
ASPIN provides manufacturer documentation on the our webpage under Nutritional Data: Buy American https://mesc.org/nutrition-shamrock/.
By making intentional choices in sourcing food products and ingredients, districts contribute to positive economic and environmental outcomes while providing nutritious meals to students.
Please reach out to tamih@mesc.org with questions on how ASPIN can support your food programs.