Resources for Buyers
The Black Farmers Toolkit for Institutional Buyers
This toolkit is a pivotal resource for foodservice operators, providing essential guidance to increase food procurement from Black farmers. Developed through a collaboration between the Stanford Food Institute and Farms to Grow, Inc., it addresses the unique challenges Black farmers face to access wholesale markets. By implementing the strategies outlined in this toolkit, foodservice operators can foster trust-based relationships and contribute to the advancement of Black farmers in the agricultural industry.
What's Included
- History and Resilience: Explore the historical context of Black farmers' resilience in the United States.
- Voices of Black Farmers: Gain insights from interviews with 10 Black farmers, learning about their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
- Building Trust-Based Relationships: Learn actions to establish and nurture trust between foodservice operators and Black farmers.
- Connecting with the Black Farming Community: Discover strategies to develop meaningful relationships with regional food hubs and aggregators.
- Sustainable Partnerships: Foster long-term commitments with farmers for mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Innovative Funding Models: Discover funding models to support pre-harvest costs for small farms.
- Strengthening Procurement Strategies: Apply transparent procurement practices to foster strong relationships.
- Cultural Awareness and DEI Principles: Increase cultural awareness and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
About the Equitable Harvest and Black Farmers Initiative
In 2020, the Stanford Food Institute and Farms to Grow, Inc. joined forces to bolster Stanford Dining, Hospitality & Auxiliaries' sourcing from Black farmers. The Equitable Harvest and Black Farming Initiative recognizes the underrepresentation of Black farmers among major wholesale suppliers and aims to reduce barriers into wholesale markets by bridging gaps, empowering communities, and promoting equitable opportunities in the agricultural supply chain.