Unlocking Institutional Food Purchasing: Contract Strategies for Values-Based Sourcing

Authors

  • Anaya L. Hall University of Kentucky
  • Heather (“H”) Nieto-Friga Supply Change
  • Kathryn Barr Supply Change
  • Elliott Smith Kitchen Sync Strategies
  • Ashton Potter University of Kentucky
  • Jodee Smith FARMWISE Indiana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.briefs.vcc01

Keywords:

values-based procurement, rebates, institutional foodservice, contracts, regional supply chains

Abstract

Introduction:

Hospitals, schools, and other institutions in the U.S. collectively spend over $200 billion on food each year (Campbell, 2023). While many have adopted commitments to local and/or sustainable sourcing, institutional procurement processes are typically structured around cost containment, risk mitigation, and high-volume distribution. As a result, small- and mid-sized farms, food hubs, cooperatives, and other regional suppliers may face barriers partici­pating in and benefiting from this economic activity, even when buyers express interest in their products. Value chain coordination (VCC) can help these suppliers navigate the layered contracts, compliance requirements, and volume-based incentives that govern institutional purchasing by facili­tating communication, aligning expectations, and supporting negotiated solutions.

Author Biographies

Anaya L. Hall, University of Kentucky

Post-Doctoral Scholar, The Food Connection

Heather (“H”) Nieto-Friga, Supply Change

CEO

Kathryn Barr, Supply Change

Associate

Elliott Smith, Kitchen Sync Strategies

CEO

Ashton Potter, University of Kentucky

Director of Local Food Systems, The Food Connection

Jodee Smith, FARMWISE Indiana

Executive Director

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Published

2026-06-03

How to Cite

Hall, A., Nieto-Friga, H. (“H”), Barr, K., Smith, E., Potter, A., & Smith, J. (2026). Unlocking Institutional Food Purchasing: Contract Strategies for Values-Based Sourcing. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 15(3), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.briefs.vcc01

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (2026): Summer 2026

Section

Value Chain Coordination Brief

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Anaya L. Hall, Heather (“H”) Nieto-Friga, Kathryn Barr, Elliott Smith, Ashton Potter, Jodee Smith

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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