CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF FOOD BANKS - CA

MAPPING UNDER-RESOURCED FARMS FOR BAY AREA FOOD BANK PROCUREMENT

FEASIBILITY AND VIABILITY | 2024

The California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) engaged Food Works Group (FWG) to conduct a supply study of under-resourced Bay Area farms, specifically small-scale, urban, and BIPOC-owned farms. In coordination with Bay Area food banks and statewide partners, FWG is developing an inventory and interactive map of under-resourced farms detailing the products and volumes available. The user-friendly, updatable map of farms is designed as a resource for CAFB member food banks to increase food procurement of culturally relevant and in-demand foods from under-resourced farms. Through additional surveying and interviews with food banks and under-resourced farmers, FWG is assessing common barriers and challenges that prevent or reduce food bank purchasing and developed an Implementation Playbook to make purchasing a reality. Ultimately, this work will allow food banks to provide the communities they serve with more fresh, culturally relevant foods and support local farmers who have historically been excluded from traditional procurement streams.