From Farm to Fork

Getting There Together

Tennessee School Nutrition Program1/20/2012

What we Know

• We have farmers/growers.• We have buyers.• We have community partners.• We have questions and concerns.• We can work together to find the answers.

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Procurement for Farm to School

• Focus – bringing local products in• Opportunity – find ways to bring in local

products within SNP regulations

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Potential Produce Purchases Based on Per Child Expenses School Year 2010-2011

Total Food PurchasesTotal Produce PurchasesTotal Local Produce

Projected Purchases Statewide

• Total Produce =$25,540,200.00

• Total Local Produce = $621,082.00

• Based on data 2010-2011 School Year

Projected Spending per Child

• Annual Total Produce = $26.94

• Annual Local Produce = $ 0.66

• Based on data from 2010-2011 School Year

Regulations

• 7 CFR 210.21• 7 CFR 3016 and 7 CFR 3019• Final Regulation – Geographic Preference

Option• FNS Policy Memos:– SP 02-2010 (general procurement)– SP 18-2011 (geographic preference)– SP 32-2009 (school gardens)

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Two Procurement Methods

• Formal – greater than• Informal – less than

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Informal Procurement

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Develop your specs in writing

Identify sources eligible, able and willing to provide

products

Contact at least three sources

Evaluate Bidders’ response to your

specs

Determine most responsive and

responsible bidder at lowest price

Lets Talk!

• Buyer vs. Seller

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FORMAL PROCUREMENT

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Develop solicitation and incorporate geo. Preference

points into scoring criteria

Publicly announce the IFB/RFP

Evaluate bidders using established

criteria

Producers of locally-grown unprocessed

products receive extra points in

scoring

Determine most responsive and

responsible bidder at lowest price

Challenges

• There is NO one-size-fits-all model• Work with state agency• Develop clear product descriptions• Plan school menus• Establish distribution• Be prepared to re-evaluate

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Addressing the Challenges

• Confusing regulations – consult FNS, the state agency and review resources

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Addressing the Challenges

• Miscommunication – Work to learn the language of both sides

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Addressing the Challenges

• Inconsistent local supply – plan for freshness considering the seasons

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Addressing the Challenges

• Dealing with multiple farmers – can be a blessing but should be managed

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Addressing the Challenges

• Traceability – work with vendor to ensure “local” products are tagged

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Addressing the Challenges

• Costs – can you balance the budget?

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Conclusion

• There is no MAGIC bullet – but there are so many opportunities.

“Success does not come to you – you go to it”

• Marva Collins

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