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Implementing Farm to School Activities
Distribution and Processing
There are several variables to consider when determining the
manner in which food from the farm moves to the school
district’s cafeteria. It is crucial that farmers, distributors,
and school food service professionals communicate with one
another to develop the distribution model that works best for
all parties involved.
It is important to consider each party’s capacity and role to
transport local food items into the cafeteria. Below is a table
with some variables to consider when determining which method to
choose:
|
Variable |
School Food Service Considerations |
Producer Considerations |
Volume:
Quantity and
type of products
desired
|
- Quantity of unprocessed food needed for menus and
recipes
- Access to farmers/distributors/ wholesalers that meet
your volume requirement
- Access to storage capacity for local unprocessed food
items
|
- Output capabilities
- Resources to meet school district demands
- Existence of farmer cooperatives or networks
|
Transportation:
Options for delivery
or pick-up methods |
- Existence of central or satellite kitchens
- Number and locations of each delivery point
- Distance involved with deliveries
- Access to appropriate equipment for food transportation
|
- Distance involved with delivery/pick-up
- Ability to ensure quality products upon delivery
- Access to appropriate equipment for food transportation
|
Processing:
Processing of
agricultural
products |
- Capacity to process on-site
- Capability to locate and work with a processor
- Access to farmers/distributors/ wholesalers with
minimally processed products
|
- Ability to minimally process products (e.g., peel, wash,
slice, dice, cut, chop, or shuck)
- Access to a famer cooperative with processing
capabilities
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There are many different models of distribution that can be
beneficial to the school district and the farmer; each with its
own advantages and disadvantages. See
Distribution Models: Advantages
and Disadvantages for a list of examples.
For more information on distribution see the
Procurement section of
the USDA Farm to School Team 2010 Summary Report and visit our
Resources webpage.
Last modified:
01/25/2013
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