Guide to Tracking B.C. Food Purchases in Schools

This guide serves as a resource for tracking B.C. food purchases in Kindergarten to Grade 12 school food programs. Developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, it outlines a standardized process for measuring and reporting the value of B.C. foods purchased by public institutions. The document emphasizes the importance of sourcing local foods to support community resilience and economic growth. It details five key steps for tracking B.C. food purchases, including identifying top food programs and suppliers, gathering food purchase information, and calculating total purchases. The guide encourages schools to aim for a minimum of 30% of their food program purchases to be spent on B.C. food, although this goal is not a condition for receiving Feeding Futures funding. Additionally, it provides practical guidance for both new and experienced users of the tracking process, aiming to enhance the capacity of school districts to report on their food purchasing decisions effectively.