Work

A roadmap for modeling institutional and values-based procurement decisions in food supply chains

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Public food procurement incentives and targeted policies by state and Federal governments are one of the most frequently enacted strategies to leverage food spending to promote co-benefits related to economic, environmental, and social outcomes. Here we use an optimization model to explore potential outcomes of policy alternatives and integrate co-benefit dimensions into schools' agri-food supply chains via Farm to School procurement incentives. We find that in the absence of policy supports, school food authorities are unlikely to participate in local food procurement programs. We then place the findings in context by inferring the level of financial incentives that are needed to reduce barriers to schools' participation. Our findings have implications for community and economic development policies, particularly those seeking to support agriculturally dependent areas via elevated institutional food procurement using the case of policies framed for a school setting.

Source: Agricultural and Resource Economics Review

DOI: 10.1017/age.2025.11

Authors: Erin Love, Becca B.R. Jablonski, Dawn Thilmany McFadden, Laura Bellows

Institutions: RTI International, Colorado State University, Cornell University

Language: English

Topic: Organic Food and Agriculture

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,600