Idaho To Be Included In USDA Greek Yogurt Pilot Project

Washington, D.C. - Today, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Idaho will be a participant in the USDA Greek Yogurt Pilot Program that Crapo and other members of the delegation have been advocating to create.  The USDA announced that four states will be participating in the program: Idaho, New York, Tennessee and Arizona. 

"I commend the USDA for choosing to implement this pilot program for Greek yogurt in Idaho schools," said Crapo.  "Greek yogurt is one of the country's fastest growing industries, and I hope USDA will continue the important process of making this healthy food option increasingly available to young Americans.  Idaho, already a leading producer of milk and other yogurt-related ingredients, recently became home to the world's largest Greek yogurt manufacturing plant in Twin Falls, which I recently had the opportunity to tour.  Our state is ideal to serve as a part of this pilot project."

On Monday, July 8th, USDA opened a solicitation to vendors to supply the states' orders.  Bids are due on July 22 with awards to be announced by the end of July.  If the program is found to be successful in these four states, it could become a permanent part of the foods that USDA offers to purchase for USDA Foods List for schools nationwide. USDA hopes the program will be in place for the 2013-2014 fall school year.