O14 Local Food Procurement in State-funded Institutions: Barriers, Motivators, and Future Plans

Abstract

Background Farm to Institution (FTI) programs and policies aim to increase utilization of locally grown and processed food products in institutions such as colleges, schools, hospitals, state agencies, and other private and public entities. FTI's goal is to spur local economic development through engaging regional farms and producers, and to provide healthier, fresher food choices. This project aimed to examine the current state of FTI in Arkansas and highlight opportunities for further development. Objective To determine motivators, barriers, and strategies for reaching local food procurement goals in institutions in Arkansas following the passing of statewide FTI reporting and procurement legislation. Study Design, Setting, Participants We surveyed 1,980 Arkansas institutions including schools, universities, state agencies, and childcare centers in a web-based survey. Eligibility for the survey required that an institution receive at least $25,000 in state funding and offer a food service program. Of the recipients who completed the screener (22%; n = 454), 9% (n = 176) met the criteria for eligibility and completed the survey. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Questions explored food budget, agency commitment, motivators, barriers, and plans for future procurement. Data was compiled and analyzed using REDCap. Results Current local food procurement was approximately 15% for institutions completing the survey. Commonly reported approaches for increasing this percentage include local engagement with farms, farmers’ markets, and vendors; learning more about legislative requirements; and improving local food tracking methods. Institutions also highlighted significant barriers of food supply as well as knowledge of where and how to purchase local foods. Conclusion In 2019, Arkansas passed Act 796, which institutes a goal of at least 20% of an agency's purchases of food products be spent on local farm and food products, and requires institutions to annually report spending. Our findings provide a baseline for FTI in Arkansas under Act 796, and highlight a variety of important opportunities for further expansion, evaluation, and programing to improve FTI at multiple levels within the supply chain. Funding Arkansas Department of Agriculture.