Farm to Institution Programs

We connect local farms with institutions like schools, hospitals, colleges and universities to build resilient food systems that support local economies and enhance public health. By facilitating agriculture workforce training and strengthening institutional procurement, we increase the demand for local food, support small farms and advance food system change across West Virginia to build equitable food economies.

Strategies 

• Expand institutional procurement of local food
• Support fair wages and sustainable markets for farmers
• Advance food policy and system-level coordination
• Strengthen networks and relationships between producers and institutions
• Education and training

Activities

• Prepare the next generation and existing farmers and food system workers through hands-on agriculture workforce and food safety training and education and expanding access to farmland
• Facilitate institutional partnerships and procurement planning
• Provide technical assistance to farmers and buyers
• Coordinate policy and advocacy around fair pricing and local sourcing
• Host workshops, webinars and peer-learning opportunities to build capacity among farmers, institutions and community leaders
• Conduct research and data analysis on West Virginia Fresh Food Act compliance to inform decisions
• Build statewide capacity through training and toolkits
• Co-design solutions with local partners