Food Hubs and Farm to School: Policy and Impact Across the Food System
The October C-FARE webinar highlights two “almost direct to consumer” food distribution models. Our four panelists representing government (USDA) and research (University) discuss policy and marketplace impacts of Farm to School and Food Hubs. Both of these models of food system intermediaries reach across the food system from farm production through distribution to the consumer, whether that be an institution or an individual. These distribution models have been of interest to USDA research and programming for many years.
Abby Long – USDA AMS: Focus on Food Hubs
Abby Long, is an economist in USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Local and Regional Foods Division (LRFD), highlighted the agency's focus on supporting U.S. agricultural products. AMS, through its Local and Regional Foods Division (LRFD), plays a pivotal role in enhancing markets for locally produced agricultural goods through conducting research, providing technical assistance, and convening stakeholders. Long shed light on the agency's keen interest in food hubs, which are central to their mission. Food hubs are entities that operate in the aggregation, distribution, and marketing space within the supply chain, maintaining a focus on preserving the source identity of products from producers to consumers. Despite varied definitions and forms, food hubs offer a crucial solution for producers, especially small and mid-sized ones, by providing appropriate market opportunities and facilitating scalability. AMS's research efforts in this area aim to identify best practices and share them with practitioners, ultimately enhancing the operational efficiency of food hubs and ensuring high-quality marketing prospects for producers.
Noel Bielaczyc – USDA AMS Food Hub Toolkit Project
Noel Bielaczyc, a Value Chain Specialist at the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food System (CRFS), provided insights into the USDA Food Hub Toolkit project which aims to address the evolving needs and challenges in the food hub sector by creating a comprehensive resource for food hub operators. This initiative was prompted in part by significant changes observed in the food hub sector, particularly due to the impact of COVID-19. Key findings from the 2021 National Food Hub Survey revealed shifts towards more direct consumer sales business models and a growing need for flexible resources to help food hub operators navigate these changes successfully. To meet these needs, the USDA Food Hub Toolkit Cooperative Agreement, officially titled "Many Hats," involves core partners from various organizations, including CRFS, University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies, and USDA AMS Local and Regional Foods Division staff, all working collaboratively to compile current research, templates, forms, and existing resources tailored to the essential roles, operations, and strategies necessary for food hub viability and growth. The project also emphasizes making these resources accessible to a wide range of businesses and organizations involved in aggregating and distributing source-identified local and regional foods, regardless of whether they identify as a “food hub”.
The project's process draws from a wealth of existing resources and research, including the 2021 National Food Hub Survey, which provides vital insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by food hubs. Additionally, an advisory committee of food hub practitioners and experts ensures that the toolkit remains updated and relevant to the sector's evolving needs. The primary output of this project will be a written toolkit, covering various critical topics such as operations management, leadership succession, and more. A complementary podcast series will also be developed to reach a broader audience and address decision points and scenarios faced by food hub operators. Lastly, the project plans to conduct extensive outreach and provide training sessions once the toolkit is finalized, ultimately offering valuable support to the food hub community.
Alessandro Bonanno – Farm to School Programming in the US: Some Definitions, Data and Outcomes
Alessandro Bonanno, a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Colorado State University, delved into Farm to School (F2S) programs. These initiatives focus on integrating regionally and locally produced food into school cafeterias, primarily emphasizing child nutrition, support for local farmers, and agricultural education. While the federal government provides some funding for F2S programs, various states and territories have also implemented regulations to facilitate such activities, resulting in a comprehensive policy framework that promotes health and education outcomes for students, economic benefits for communities, and an improved understanding of potential agricultural careers.
The Farm to School Census provides a rich source of data on these programs, offering insights into their prevalence, the variety of activities implemented, and the factors influencing their longevity. Among the benefits of F2S programs, improved food quality, increased student knowledge about local and healthy foods, and higher consumption of healthy items within school meals stand out. These programs also play a crucial role in supporting local economies, with substantial sums spent on local foods, particularly fluid milk. The data from the census allows for in-depth research on food expenditure, the proportion going to intermediaries versus farmers, and the areas reached by local food purchases, revealing key trends in F2S implementation. Finally, numerous resources are available for those seeking more information on Farm to School programs, including a systematic review that offers a wealth of valuable insights.
Cristina Connolly – Facilitating Farm to School
Cristina Connolly, an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut in the department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, delved into the complexities of Farm to School (F2S) programs, exploring the factors that facilitate local procurement in school cafeterias. Drawing on data from the Farm to School Census and a localized Connecticut-based study, Connolly shares the challenges faced by school food service directors and how they navigate constraints to incorporate local food into school meals.
Connolly’s research revealed that nationally, between 2013 and 2019 facilitation mechanisms such as state-level funding policies and the presence of nearby food hubs didn't significantly impact local procurement or farm to school implementation. Looking at Connecticut specifically, despite disruptions caused by COVID-19, there was an increase in the intensity of local procurement, particularly in middle and high schools. Schools adapted to the challenges by incorporating grab-and-go breakfast options and fruit cups, leading to new opportunities to incorporate local food. Connolly highlighted the importance of addressing key barriers, such as providing more information on local products, reliable sourcing, and fostering connections with food hubs to enhance the accessibility and affordability of local produce for schools. For a detailed look into the findings, visit https://are.uconn.edu/fts/
This program is supported in part by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Those who register but cannot attend our webinar can always view a recording of it later at the council’s YouTube channel.