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As August rolls in, the air begins to shift — and so do menus. With back-to-school fall produce in high demand and autumn right around the corner, it’s time for chefs, schools, and foodservice professionals to start planning for the seasonal transition.
At V. Marchese, we understand that fresh, high-quality ingredients are the cornerstone of a nutritious and appealing meal — especially for students. That’s why we partner closely with schools and institutions across the Midwest to deliver premium produce, dependable service, and market-savvy support that goes beyond the box.
You Focus on the Kids — We’ve Got the Produce Covered
You want what’s best for the kids, and so do we. That’s why our produce consistently stands tall against others in both freshness and quality. We understand that school foodservice teams are balancing tight budgets, complex regulations, and growing expectations — and we’re built to help you meet them all.
Whether you need weekly deliveries of fresh-cut items or whole produce packed specifically for your kitchen’s needs, we’ll work within your school’s budget while still delivering uncompromising quality. In fact, many of the schools we serve are happy to stretch their budgets, because they know the value is there.
Late Summer’s Final Harvest
August is your last chance to take advantage of vibrant, sun-ripened produce at its peak. These items are perfect for light, colorful dishes that bring the taste of summer to the plate:
- Sweet corn – Ideal for chowders, salads, or street corn-inspired sides kids will love
- Heirloom tomatoes – Perfect for sandwiches, pasta bars, or fresh marinara
- Stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, plums) – Great in salads, fruit cups, or baked goods
- Zucchini and summer squash – A flexible base for veggie sides, zoodles, and stir-fries
Stock up before these summer staples disappear — our team can help ensure your supply is fresh and consistent.
Fall Favorites to Plan For
As cooler weather approaches, early fall produce begins to shine. Now’s the time to start incorporating:
- Apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith) – A school lunch staple, perfect for snacking or baking
- Winter squash (acorn, butternut, delicata) – Excellent for purees, soups, and roasted sides
- Brussels sprouts – Delicious roasted, sautéed, or shredded into salads
- Root vegetables (beets, carrots, parsnips) – Hearty, budget-friendly, and nutrient-dense
And don’t forget — fresh cranberries from Wisconsin begin arriving by mid-September! Plan ahead for your fall menus, Thanksgiving prep, or festive school recipes using this antioxidant-rich seasonal superfruit.
We Monitor the Markets So You Don’t Have To
Market uncertainty can lead to price fluctuations and quality variations, particularly during transitional seasons. But unlike other vendors, V. Marchese is proactive, not reactive. We monitor produce markets daily to anticipate changes, protect your pricing, and maintain the highest possible quality.
When challenges arise — like supply chain shifts or unexpected shortages — we don’t leave you hanging. We work with you and your budget to find smart, flexible solutions that keep your program running smoothly.
Why Partner with V. Marchese This Fall?
- Locally and regionally sourced produce whenever possible
- Custom packs and fresh-cut options for time-saving convenience
- Direct, responsive communication with our expert team
- Market insight to support your pricing and planning
- A long-standing commitment to quality, especially when it comes to feeding students
Ready to Plan Your Fall Produce Program?
Let us help you build a seasonal produce strategy that’s budget-conscious, student-approved, and built to last.
Contact our team today to get a curated list of what’s trending this season — and keep your menus fresh, relevant, and in-demand.
