Impact: Farm to Institution
NABC provides northwest Washington farmers with the skills and resources required to profitably and efficiently bring their products to market via farm-direct sales to institutions.
A growing opportunity is farm-direct sales to institutions.
In response to startling obesity rates among children, an increase of diet-related illness and antibiotic resistance (MRSA epidemic), more hospitals, schools, childcare centers and senior centers –– especially those feeding low-income people in urban areas –– are seeking out local farms to bring delicious, healthful and affordable food to their communities.
To serve this growing demand, funders have empowered NABC and partners to implement new and innovative strategies to connect farm to institution such as:
- Facilitating new institutional marketing opportunities for local food producers.
- Visiting institutional facilities to identify appropriate models for local food procurement given barriers such as kitchen infrastructure, staff capabilities, budgets and more.
- Identifying “gateway solutions” (products or promotions), and communicating the opportunities to local farmers, nurturing sales relationships between producers and buyers.
- Aiding in purchasing negotiations and logistics, and supporting on-going buyer-seller communications.
Working Together To Benefit All
NABC doesn’t succeed alone. We rely on our funders, sponsors and partners to contribute resources and complimentary services to best ensure that key pilot projects become standard practices.
Our Partners:
- Assist in nutrition education and events at community centers, senior meal services, and clinics.
- Assist with training and skill enhancement in meal preparation and recipe and meal planning to seniors, children, caregivers, and patients.
- Promote project and importance of local food and direct purchasing through educational events at senior centers, childcare centers, community centers, and clinics.
- Expand healthy, local food access to low-income families through Good Food Bag programs.
- And more!
Contact NABC to learn more about how consulting services can help your farm to institution efforts succeed: info@agbizcenter.org.