START SOURCING LOCALLY
How to connect with local sources for your school meal program
STEPS FOR CONNECTING WITH LOCAL SOURCES:
1. Determine the products you need. When sourcing locally, work with in-season produce and other products available year round (meat, poultry, cheese, etc.). Start with what local sources are offering! 2. Research local, seasonal product availability, as well as local sources . Ask if they send out lists with their local product availability and see what they have to offer throughout the month, season, or year. Build your list of questions* for the local source you want to connect with to ensure alignment with your goals and capacity. 3. Narrow down a list of potential farms and other local sources , then reach out. Connect directly to learn about their products and begin building a relationship. Consider visiting the farm or meeting via video call. 4. Prepare for your first meeting. Use the checklist on the next page to get started. 5. Follow procurement procedures to initiate a micro-purchase or use the information from your meetings with local sources to inform the procurement process. *Example questions to consider for local sources : • Does the local source deliver direct? Do they go through an aggregator? • Do their delivery days and times align with your operation? • What items can be priced to meet both of your needs? • What are their food safety practices? • What weight and count do they offer per case?
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