Posted October 9, 2025 at 11:01am by Lindsey Connolly
CAFS New Resource: Optimizing Food Distributor Contracts to Achieve Local Food Procurement Targets
In recent years, many states have set ambitious targets to increase the purchase of local food by public institutions like schools, hospitals, and prisons. But how are those institutions meeting those targets? A new guide from the Healthy Food Policy Project explores options for public sector procurement teams to optimize their contracts with food distributors—particularly through contract drafting, negotiation, and monitoring—to support these local food goals.
"Optimizing Food Distributor Contracts to Achieve Local Food Procurement Targets: Considerations for State and Local Public Sector Entities” highlights real-life examples of how procurement teams can improve internal contracting processes to increase the amount of local food they purchase. The guide also includes an Appendix with sample contract solicitation and drafting language that emphasizes local food sourcing, as well as a list of state statutes or executive orders that set local food targets.
Webinar Recording: Contracting Solutions for Increasing Local Food Purchasing
September 16, 2025
In this webinar, CAFS research affiliate Amanda Karls and Deputy Director and Senior Researcher Lihlani Nelson walk through some of the details of the above guide. Hear firsthand insights, including challenges and lessons learned from the field, from Brittany Peats of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry.