Strengthening Regional Food Systems through Infrastructure and Coordination

The gap between small-scale farmers and large institutional buyers presents significant challenges in the food supply chain. Building robust infrastructure and fostering coordination are pivotal in bridging this divide and ensuring that sustainably grown food reaches schools, hospitals, and other large entities.

For sustainable food procurement policies to be effective, emphasis must be placed on the infrastructure and intermediaries that facilitate the journey of food from local farms to institutional kitchens. Farmers cultivating nutrient-rich produce in harmony with the ecosystem need reliable systems to interface with the market. Essential components of this infrastructure include:

• Food hubs and aggregation centers: These consolidate various local products to supply larger markets efficiently.
• Cold storage and processing facilities: Vital for maintaining the quality of produce and tailoring it to the requirements of institutions.
• Efficient transportation systems: Critical for moving food from rural producers to urban consumers.
• Technical assistance: Important for helping farmers navigate procurement processes, adhere to safety standards, and obtain necessary certifications.

Despite their importance, these elements of a regional food system remain underfunded in the United States. Historically, public funding has predominantly supported large-scale agriculture and emergency food programs, leaving smaller farmers without the resources needed to tap into institutional markets. Although programs like the Regional Food Business Centers, Local Food for Schools, and Local Food Purchasing Assistance have made advances, their temporary nature has proved inadequate for the sustained demand for locally sourced foods. This results in many communities, particularly those with marginalized farmers, relying on fragmented systems with inconsistent support.

Beyond financial investment, nurturing the “soft infrastructure” of collaboration and relationship-building is crucial. Regional coalitions can drive long-term systemic and cultural transformations by bringing together farmers, distributors, consumers, and policymakers. The Rockefeller Foundation has supported such coalitions, fostering collective goals and shared program development. Intermediaries play a central role here, acting as coordinators who ensure institutions can establish and maintain productive relationships with local farmers, translating shared values into effective purchasing decisions. These networks build trust and facilitate the delivery of the best nutritional, economic, and environmental outcomes.

In Atlanta, the ACRE Collective exemplifies how effective coordination can meet the growing demand for local food. By assisting farmers in achieving wholesale standards and navigating food safety protocols, ACRE reinforces critical infrastructure for aggregation and distribution. By aligning partnerships and enhancing leadership within institutions, ACRE also supports broader health, equity, and climate initiatives. ACRE’s efforts demonstrate that when both hard and soft infrastructures are robust, a more sustainable and equitable food system is achievable.