Why it Matters
Transitioning from a ‘lowest cost’ to a ‘best social value’ paradigm maximizes public good from every food dollar and prioritizes underserved farm and food business embracing responsible labor and environmental practices.
- $0BillionBillion
is spent on food annually by U.S. public and private institutions
- $0HiddenHidden
health and environmental cost for every $1 spent purchasing food across the U.S.
- 0U.S. CitiesU.S. Cities
have adopted formal policies or voluntary commitments to analyze, report, and improve the social and environmental outcomes of their public food spend with the Good Food Purchasing Program
- Report
True Cost of Food: School Meals Case Study
This report shows that school meals are essential for the health and economic stability of communities. With these findings, policymakers, food professionals, advocates, communities, and individuals are better equipped to maximize value to society, including through investing in school meals, by creating a food system that is more nourishing, regenerative, and equitable.Download PDF
Impact Stories
- The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is focused on purchasing local food for it T-Rex café--to the benefit of visitors, farmers, and the planet itself.
- A new fund shifts the power to make resource decisions while changing the food procurement system. Whose voices are elevated? The practitioners.
- Scientific studies repeatedly show the benefits of school meals: When children have their basic needs met, they are healthier and they learn better.
Our People