Figure 1: A comparison of how typical material flows in the food system compare to most farm-to-school flows.

HOW FARM-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAMS WORK

The material flows of food associated with farm-to-school programs differ from the flows typically seen within the US food system (see Figure 1). The first exchange in the typical US material flow takes place between the input provider (typically one of a handful of large multinational corporations) and farmers. After the inputs are metamorphosed from seeds to raw food goods, they pass through a series of intermediaries (first-line handlers and manufacturers; wholesale and logistics; food and beverage services, institutional buyers, and retail food stores). At this point, some food is funneled to the emergency food system. After passing through this complex web of intermediaries, food is finally distributed to consumers.

In farm-to-school procurement, the food supply chain becomes significantly ‘shorter’. Occasionally, schools purchase foods directly from the producer. More often, though, goods are purchased through a local intermediary such as food service management companies, food hubs, local food processors, and producer co-ops. Purchasing through an intermediary allows school food service professionals to focus on management rather than the logistics of procurement. Federal laws stipulate a distinction between ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ procurement. Large purchases (over $150,000) are considered formal and require sealed bids, competitive proposals, and public advertising. Small purchases (under $150,000) require price quote from at least three different bidders. Purchases under $3,000 are considered to be ‘micro-purchases’ and are not competitive, meaning that they do not require sealed bids, competitive proposals, or public advertising.