External Resources Index
Explore external tools, research, and references that support values-based procurement work.
Tools for
Data
Consumer Food Safety Educator Evaluation Toolbox and Guide, Partnership for Food Safety Education
External LinkCool Food Tracking Tool, Practice Greenhealth
External LinkFood Service Guidelines Implementation Toolkit, CDC
External LinkKailey Burger Ayogu & Rebecca Graffy, Using Data to Improve Procurement Operations and Outcomes, Partners for Public Good (2025)
External LinkLocal Food Tracking Fact Sheet, Farm to Institution New England
External LinkNational Farm to Institution Metrics Collaborative, Tools and Resources
External LinkPurchasing Power—A “Good Food” Procurement Toolkit, Union of Concerned Scientists
External LinkReal Food Calculator, Real Food Challenge
External LinkRebecca Graffy, Essential Procurement Performance Metrics to Track Regularly, Partners for Public Good (2025)
External LinkStudent Engagement Resources, Nourish Colorado Guidebook
External LinkTracking Local Purchasing: A Guidebook for Campus Dining, Farm to Institution New England
External LinkValue Chain Coordination Template and Guide, Food Systems Leadership Network
External LinkFunding
Blended and Braided Funding, The Urban Institute,
External LinkFederal Funding Guide, Advancing Health Through Leadership (2024)
External LinkFinancial Strategies for Incorporating Sustainable Food into a Hospital’s Budget, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (Dec. 2013)
External LinkFiscal Management, The Lunch Box
External LinkGood Food Funding Guide, New Venture Advisors LLC
External LinkGrants, Loans, and Other Supports, USDA
External LinkLocal Food For Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, USDA
External LinkInfrastructure
2022 Food Code, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
External LinkEssential School Kitchen Equipment and How to Manage It, Chefs Toys
External LinkFood Safe Schools: Creating a Culture of Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food & Nutrition Service
External LinkFood Safety Basics, U.S. Department of Agriculture
External LinkFood Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
External LinkPublic Institutions Network (aka VBP Learning Network)
Made up of public officials from around the country, this network of leaders support each other to implement values-based food purchasing policies in their hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, senior centers and other food program sites. The network has guided, informed and tested the tools and approaches that make up this toolkit. Founded by the ID Food Systems Action Lab, the VBP Learning Network is now hosted by Partners for Public Good.