8/2/09

Implementing Local and Sustainable Food Programs

Implementing Local and Sustainable Food Programs in California Hospitals: Tips for health care industries on how to conceptualize, structure, and implement food programs that support local family farmers.

This guide provides health care facilities with practical suggestions to utilize sustainable food programs that support local family farmers, ranchers, and associated businesses. It is targeted towards hospital administrators, food service directors, dieticians, and others involved with food purchasing decisions, in the hope that they will implement some of the suggestions presented. This publication integrates the experience of San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility (SFPSR) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) with cutting-edge research conducted at UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz concerning the Farm to Institution market that focuses on hospitals and educational systems. Insights into the broader array of sustainable food criteria – such as organic and humanely raised – are referenced in this guide; however, the content concentrates mostly on local sourcing.