External Resources Index
Explore external tools, research, and references that support values-based procurement work.
Tools for
Purchasing Commitment
The Common Market, Building Resilient Agriculture through Forward Purchasing Commitments and Direct Farmer Financial Investment (2025)
External LinkThe Lunch Box, Menu Development, The Chef Ann Foundation
External LinkPurchasing Guidelines
Boston Medical Center, Rooftop Farm
External LinkBoston University, Boston University Dining Services
External LinkCabarrus County, North Carolina, Local Food Purchasing Policy
External LinkCalifornia (statewide), AB 822 California’s Preference Policy for Agricultural Products Grown Within the State
External LinkCenter for Science in the Public Interest, Strategies to Optimize Food and Nutrition in Correctional Facilities
External LinkCornell University, Division of Financial Services: Procurement Services Buying Manual
External LinkDuke University, Duke Dining Sustainability Standards & Policies
External LinkEmory University, Sustainability Guidelines for Food Service Purchasing
External LinkFarm to Corrections: Opportunities & Challenges in Integrating California-Grown Produce Into the State Prison System
External LinkFarm to Corrections: Promising Practices From Across the United States
External LinkGeorgia State Public Schools, Georgia Local Food Procurement Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
External LinkGreen Operations and Advance Leadership (GOAL), Tracking Tools
External LinkKaiser Permanente, Sustainable Food Goal (aligns with Health Care Without Harm’s Sustainable Food Criteria)
External LinkLehigh University: Sustainable and Healthful Food Purchasing Policy
External LinkLocal Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, USDA
External LinkLouisiana State Public Schools, School Guide for Local Food Purchasing
External LinkMercedes-Benz Stadium, Urban Garden
External LinkMichigan State University, Sustainable Food Procurement Guide
External LinkMiddlebury College, Procurement Policy
External LinkSalvation Farms, Vermont Commodity Program
External LinkSPUR, Best Practices and Resources for Values-Based Procurement in Corrections
External LinkStanford University, One Plate, One Planet
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.