Procurement Policy

Businesses, organizations, and institutions have significant purchasing power that can be utilized to strengthen the regional food system. Communities across the United States have implemented food purchasing policies to reduce the volume of imported food items, reduce reliance on a volatile supply chain, and increase the quality of food available to their end-users. Local purchasing policies are unique to each business or organization and are structured to meet the procurement needs of said entities. There is no one size fits all approach to local food sourcing and policy implementation.  

LFA’s Local Procurement Policy Program aims to strengthen connections between farmers, producers, business owners, and chefs. In addition to bolstering these connections, LFA hopes to track the procurement demands of valley businesses and identify areas where food procurement can be improved to serve South-Central Idaho’s farmers and ranchers better.

We help each entity draft and institute a policy that aligns with their internally set values, goals, and their financial resources. Entities consider their definition of “local” – does “local” mean miles away from the procuring entity, within the state borders, or another geographic boundary? Does an entity want to source local to ensure food doesn’t have pesticide residues? Does an entity want to source from small, family-owned farmers?

We help design each policy to be realistic for the entity. It may be a commitment to a percentage of food purchases per year, a dollar value threshold, or swapping specific food items for local products. The policy should be implementable and measurable to ensure long-term compliance and support from staff. The policy may be coupled with an action plan and evaluation plan. These plans, like the policy, are unique to the business or organization and are best used dynamically to assess how implementation is going and adjust the policy in a responsive manner.

Focusing on our community-based regional food systems strengthens rural economies, enhances the health of individuals and communities, and promotes fair labor practices, animal welfare, and climate-smart land management.

Platinum Basket Status

As part of our Procurement Policy Program Initiative, each business that signs on earns a Platinum Basket Designation within our Locally Grown Guide and website, which indicates their commitment to local food purchasing.

If you are a local food business and are interested in learning more about our program, please reach out by sending us a message here or by emailing lyndsey@sunvalleyinstitute.org.