ROCKY MOUNT, VA. – August 26, 2026 – Solutions That Empower People, Inc. (STEP, Inc.), a nonprofit Community Action Agency serving Franklin and Patrick counties, is seeking sealed proposals from qualified vendors to provide food products, fresh produce, and related delivery services for the agency’s nutrition and meal programs.
STEP, Inc. is reissuing its Request for Proposals (RFP) for Food Products and Produce Purchasing Services for the contract period of November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027.
STEP, Inc. operates multiple programs that provide nutritious meals to children, families, seniors, and community members throughout Franklin and Patrick counties. Food products purchased through this RFP will support daily breakfast, lunch, and snack services for Head Start and Early Head Start children, school-age students, home-delivered meals, and congregate meal programs.
Products and Services Requested
STEP, Inc. is seeking proposals for one or more of the following product categories:
- Fresh produce
- Frozen foods
- Dairy products
- Meat and protein products
- Bread and grain products
- Dry goods and shelf-stable items
- Paper and disposable products, if applicable
Vendors may submit proposals for all product categories or for individual categories. STEP, Inc. reserves the right to award contracts to one vendor or multiple vendors based on product category, pricing, delivery capabilities, experience, and overall value to the agency.
Vendors must be able to provide reliable deliveries to STEP, Inc. locations in both Franklin and Patrick counties and meet applicable food safety, sanitation, USDA, CACFP, Head Start, and Virginia Department of Health requirements. Products requiring Child Nutrition (CN) labels must include appropriate documentation.
Delivery Locations
Franklin County:
STEP, Inc.
200 Dent Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Patrick County:
STEP, Inc.
4559 Wayside Road
Stuart, VA 24171
Delivery hours for both locations are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Proposal Deadline
Sealed proposals must be received by 4:00 p.m. ET on September 25, 2026.
Proposals may be submitted by mail or electronically to:
Michael Armbrister
Solutions That Empower People, Inc. (STEP, Inc.)
200 Dent Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
michael.armbrister@stepincva.com
Minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses are encouraged to submit proposals.
The complete RFP includes detailed information regarding product specifications, vendor qualifications, pricing requirements, delivery expectations, evaluation criteria, and proposal submission requirements.
View the complete RFP and proposal submission requirements:
www.stepincva.com/resources/
STEP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and service provider.
