http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/attranews_0106.html

January-February, 2006

Volume 14, Number 1

Newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agricultural Information Service: A project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).

Delivering Local Food to Local Institutions

Farmers and ranchers are discovering new markets for their products in local institutions such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and businesses that run cafeterias for employees and guests. These cafeterias may have conventional, large-scale supply lines, but they are increasingly aware of the advantages of buying produce and meat from local farms. Chefs, consumers, and nutritionists appreciate the high quality of just-picked produce and grass-fed beef. Farmers are pleased to sell products close to home, and are often willing to tailor production for appreciative customers, building long-term relationships. This issue of ATTRAnews looks at this emerging sustainable food system, where local farmers and local institutions all benefit.

In this issue:

• Prescription for a Healthy Community
• Hospital Farmers' Markets for Employees and the Neighborhood
• GROWN Locally Community Farming Co-operative, Iowa
• Farm to Institution Resources
• ATTRA's Local Food Directory
• ATTRA Publications about Farm-to-Institution Sales and Direct Marketing
• How Farmers Work with School Districts and Institutions
• New and Updated ATTRA Publications
• Using School Gardens to Teach about Agriculture
• Congress Completes Work on FY06 Spending Bill