Iowa Man Questions Practices Of State Vending Program

Jeff Goff, a licensed blind vendor in Washington County, IA, believes that the state’s Business Enterprises program, which trains visually impaired persons to run vending operations at federal and state buildings, is exclusive and unfair, according to KCRG. Goff claims it has been impossible for him to gain a contract because the application process favors vendors who have previous experience. Goff argues the system has enabled a few blind vendors to grow, while excluding others. As part of its investigation, the news source found that 41 percent of the 130 vending sites in the state are run by a five-person committee who governs the program. Full article.