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The Power of Institutional Purchasing
Public institutions like school districts, universities, hospital systems, correctional facilities, municipal parks, and aging services have enormous purchasing power, spending billions of dollars every year on food. Through transformative policies that align these public food dollars with key values, cities can drive large-scale market shifts that create benefits across their regions, building a healthier food system for people, animals, and the planet.
A Values-Based Framework for Food Purchasing
The food system we envision is possible. To get there, we must collectively act with courage, conviction, and a shared vision. Explore the benefits to your community of implementing these key food purchasing strategies.
Investing in local food creates jobs and strengthens local economies.
Promoting climate-friendly diets reduces environmental impact and supports sustainable food production.
Serving culturally relevant, nutritious meals is a critical part of advancing health equity and can reduce healthcare costs.
Purchasing from businesses that respect workers’ rights to bargain collectively for safe and fair jobs supports the health and wellbeing of food workers, from farm to fork.
Buying plant-based foods and animal products that prioritize welfare reduces the harm to farm animals.
Adopting intentional practices in contracting, goal-setting, and reporting can promote equity, supply chain transparency, and accountability.
Want to learn more about the Good Food Purchasing Program?