Finding, Buying and Serving Local Foods - Using the Informal Procurement Method

In this webinar, the fourth in the series, Christina Conell from USDA's Food and Nutrition Service discusses how schools can purchase local products using the informal method. It can be as easy as schools contacting three (or more!) local producers for price quotes. This session showcases stories and tips from Union Public Schools in Oklahoma and Kalispell Public Schools in Montana.

Handout

	Introduction to Procurement
	Conducting a Local Procurement Baseline Assessment
	Finding Local Producers
	Using the Informal Procurement Method
	Using the Specifications, Requirements and Evaluation Criteria to Target Local Products
	Working with Distributors
	Using a Forward Contract
	Introduction to Geographic Preference
	Using Geographic Preference
	Using USDA Foods as Resource to Purchase Local
	Using DOD Fresh to Purchase Local
	Tying It All Together and Digging In