Vibrant and resilient regional economies are a forum for communities to regain power in decision-making within their local food system and the land that supports it. In this guidance section, we outline best practices for supporting community wealth building and investment in local and diverse food businesses through your purchasing decisions.

Purchase locally, sustainably, and equitably produced foods to increase the quality of food you serve, support producers in your community, and build a healthy, sustainable, and resilient food system.

Our guidance leads you through a set of local, sustainable, and equitable food purchasing strategies for authentically and successfully planning and implementing food service programs that can be tailored to help you achieve your goals.

Build a strong base for your food efforts through progressive policies and plans, engaged and empowered teams, transformative community collaboration, and supportive public policy and programs.

Health care institutions have an opportunity to influence broad food system impacts for their patients, staff, and communities – but to realize this potential it is important to first set the foundation. 

Improve patient outcomes and reduce the prevalence and expense of diet-related diseases in your community by increasing and improving healthy food access and connecting patients to nutrition programs.

Build healthier food environments for your patrons through education, promotion, and marketing of healthy foods and beverages at your facility.

Use this change-management approach to make the case for prioritizing food-related initiatives.