We have been purchasing local, sustainably grown produce from small and mid-sized farms in our region since 2013. In recent years, MPS has expanded its local purchasing to include poultry, meats, grains, and beans.
Check out our Farm to School Toolkit, a case study of how MPS buys fresh, sustainably-grown produce from small- and medium-sized local farms.
Values-based Buying
When MPS buys food for your lunch & breakfast, we want to buy food that is good for you and good for the world!
Here is how we pick our food:
- We care about people: We try to buy food made by a diverse range of producers, including women, veterans, persons with disabilities, BIPOC, immigrants, young farmers, and urban farmers. We also make sure the workers are treated fairly and paid well.
- We care about the Earth: We look for food that is grown and raised in a way that keeps the environment healthy.
- We care about your health: We choose food that is fresh, nutrient-rich, and local when possible.
We call this Values-Based Buying. We prioritize building partnerships with farmers, food makers, and organizations that are “values-aligned” with the district, and our mission at CWS to nurture all children through access to quality food and active living.
