AEA Purchasing Partnership
SERVING IOWA SCHOOL DISTRICTS
SERVING YOUR AREA
Ready to improve or build your food service operations? Contact us to talk to one of our experts right away!
or call 800-899-6604
Rapids is proud to be a trusted partner for Iowa's Area Education Agencies, helping school foodservice teams get the equipment and smallwares they need — at exclusive AEA member pricing, with the support of a team that knows school kitchens inside and out.
As an approved AEA vendor, Rapids offers a private catalog of pre-approved market basket items at special AEA member pricing. Our team works directly with your district to make ordering simple, from finding the right products to answering questions about your specific kitchen needs.
Meet Your AEA Account Manager
Tanya Larson
Tanya works with Iowa school districts every day, helping foodservice teams navigate their AEA market basket with ease. She understands the day-to-day challenges school kitchens face — from tight budgets to the need for fast, reliable turnaround on essential supplies.
Whether you have a question about a specific item, want a product recommendation, or need help placing an order, Tanya is your dedicated point of contact. Reach out anytime, or catch her in person at one of the upcoming AEA Purchasing Shows.
Upcoming AEA Events
Come see us in person and get a live look at featured market basket products.
AEA Food Purchasing Spirit Show — Council Bluffs
August 5 | 7:00 AM–3:00 PM | Mid-America Center
AEA Food Purchasing Spirit Show — Ottumwa
August 6 | 7:00 AM–3:00 PM | Bridge View Center
Why Partner with Rapids for AEA Purchasing?
Exclusive AEA Pricing
Special member discounts on your market basket catalog
Approved Market Basket Items
A curated selection built for AEA purchasing requirements
Dedicated Account Support
A single point of contact who knows Iowa schools
Purchase Orders Accepted
Streamlined for district procurement processes
A Smarter Way to Order for AEA Schools
Our purchasing portal is designed with AEA member districts in mind, offering a streamlined, user-friendly experience. You can easily browse your pre-approved AEA market basket items, view detailed product information, and access your district's exclusive AEA member pricing — all in one convenient place. The platform also provides tools to create wishlists, compare items side-by-side, and track orders efficiently, helping to reduce administrative time so your team can focus on serving students.
To keep your foodservice running smoothly, many items in the catalog are stocked and ready for fast fulfillment. Orders placed before 3pm CST often ship the same day, ensuring timely delivery for your school’s busy schedule. Rapids also offers dedicated customer support available by chat or phone to assist with any questions or special needs.
AEA Market Basket Items
Since
Serving AEA Districts
AEA Purchasing Customers
You'll have access to your AEA market basket catalog featuring discounted items across categories tailored for school foodservice, including:
- Cookware - Durable pots, pans, and steamers for heavy-duty use.
- Kitchen Utensils - Essential tools like spatulas, ladles, and tongs.
- Food Storage & Serving - Containers, trays, and dispensers to keep food fresh.
- Kitchen Prep & Smallwares - Prep tools and supplies to streamline workflow.
- Gloves & Safety - Disposable gloves and gear to maintain hygiene.
- Cleaning & Maintenance - Supplies and equipment to keep kitchens sanitary.
- Tableware - Plates, bowls, and dishes for daily meal service.
- Cutlery - Durable knives, forks, and spoons for cafeteria use.
Want to learn more about how the platform works?
LET'S FIND YOUR SOLUTION
Rapids Contract & Design serves the United States with locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Our experts are ready to assist with your foodservice needs—contact us for support, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM CST.
or call (800) 899-6604