Collect and Manage Food Data

Food data can be used in many important ways. It can be helpful for internal review and evaluation, external reporting, and public education.

Internal Review & Evaluation

Food data provides valuable insight for institutions to review their procurement internally, evaluate which areas are working well, and identify which areas need improvement. Data can inform how to shape the procurement budget in the future and inform decision-makers in prioritizing efforts to secure additional funding. It can also be used to evaluate an institution’s food service management company and assess whether it is meeting values-based procurement-related requirements outlined in its contract. Additionally, accurate food data can help measure progress toward institutional goals. Knowing what food the institution is purchasing provides concrete metrics to track the institution’s progress and can reveal where more data is needed to effectively manage the program.

External Reporting

Accurate food data published in annual reports helps an institution communicate its values and how those values are incorporated into operations to regulators, employees, stakeholders, peers, and other partners. In addition, food purchasing data can be compiled across multiple institutions or departments to indicate increasing market demand for values-based purchasing, thereby influencing suppliers to better align with the values of their buyers.[4] Food data can also be used to show policymakers and funders the impact of values-based purchasing.[5] Some states and localities have established laws or regulations that require public institutions to make public disclosures about food purchases.

Public Awareness and Education

Food procurement data can also be used to communicate an institution’s values to the public and to increase public awareness about the impact of values-based purchasing. As consumers are increasingly paying attention to the values of the brands they purchase[6] the values that guide institutional purchasing are important. Specifically, food data can be added to promotional messaging in media coverage, social media posts, newsletters, advertisements, and other marketing forms that the institution uses to share its work with the broader community.[7] Having accurate food data to support the institution’s stated values could encourage people to choose to visit the institution, purchase its goods or services, support its work, or seek employment there.