Page 27 - The EDGE Winter 2022

Purchasing in Today’s Market – Flexibility, Fortitude and Facilitation

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or equipment have to be shipped in to create the
product, then that can offset any benefit of creating
or growing the product locally. In addition, buying
locally doesn’t always equal lesser pricing. This
is sometimes seen when visiting neighborhood
Farmers’ Markets versus purchasing in your local
grocery store.

Buying locally can be a great way to encourage
small business and promote economic growth in
quality and are fresher compared to items that our own communities. However, buying locally
are transported long distances. is not always the perfect solution – it is not even
always the greenest solution. Think responsibly
Some areas of the country have other advantages before you make the decision!
in energy sources, such as wind and solar
power. This can make purchasing decisions As I mentioned earlier, buying from local
tough. Local farms and manufacturers cannot purveyors might help as we all deal with supply
always take advantage of this green energy, but chain challenges. Here are some things to keep in
other producers may be able to, thus making mind when making your purchasing choices:
their products greener. Additionally, larger
operations with bigger budgets can function • Communication: Keep an open line of
more effectively adding to their greenness over communication with all stakeholders so they
small, local farms. are aware of the supply and labor shortages.

• Documentation: Keep your website, menus
Buying locally does present special networking and social media updated to alert any changes
opportunities among businesses. Choosing that are beyond the department’s control.
to buy from local businesses can lead to new
connections with outlooks of supporting one • Menu Planning: Keep your menus simple,
another. We have all heard the stories how local and be resourceful and proactive in identifying
farmers have collaborated with schools to help products that are available for substitution.
with their gardens or even come and speak with • Staff Training: Cross-train your team and
students. You may also benefit with special explain the importance of filling in where
discounts and new perspectives and ideas to needed.
utilize in your role.
• Ordering: Place orders or forecasts farther
out. This will help manufacturers have ample
It might be surprising but, buying local could time for planning and shipping.
actually have some possible disadvantages. First,
it is important to understand that just because
something is locally produced does not mean Rick Hall, Creighton School District Food Service Manager of
that it is environmentally friendly. If supplies Operations, can be reached at: rhall@creightonschools.org

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