COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Employee and Public Services Department

 

DATE:

September 18, 2001

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 2, 2001

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Mary Welch, Employee and Public Services Director
Steve Rossi, Purchasing Manager

SUBJECT:

Resuming Business with the Basic American Food Products Company

 

Recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing the County to conduct business with the Basic American Food Products Company.

 

Background
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 63845 on August 8, 2000 establishing a policy under which the County has refrained from purchasing products from the Basic American Food Products Company. The Resolution was the result of information brought to the Board's attention concerning a labor dispute between Basic Vegetable Products (a subsidiary of the Basic American Food Products Company) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters' Union.

 

Discussion
In November, 2000, Basic Vegetable Products (the subsidiary involved in the labor dispute) was sold to Gilroy Foods, in itself a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, Inc. Basic Vegetable Products is no longer connected at all with the Basic American Food Products Company. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has urged buyers to once again consider purchasing from the Basic American Food Product Company as a result of this change of ownership. Additionally, other governmental agencies, including the University of California and the Los Angeles School District have resumed purchasing from the Basic American Food Company.

Research by the Food and Nutritional Services Division of the County's Health Services Agency indicates that resuming the purchase of goods from the Basic American Food Products Company will increase the County's buying power by affording a wider choice of product at competitive prices.

 

Fiscal Impact
This action will result in no increased cost. The County may realize savings as a result of this action due to increased competition for the County's purchase of certain food products.

   

cc:

Margaret Taylor, Director, Health Services

Eliana Schulz, Director of Food and Nutrition Services