Research & Practice
WSDA Farm to School (F2S) Metrics and Reporting
This project focused on farm to school (F2S) metrics and evaluation methods to assist the WSDA F2S team in tracking and communicating changes in local food procurement. Methods of data collection, such as reporting mechanisms, timing, and type of collection, were also analyzed and reported out to the team. First, a literature review of existing F2S programs around the US was conducted, followed by a 4-page summary of these findings. From the literature review, five key farms to school procurement metrics were considered. For each metric, the following topics were considered: current or potential data source, frequency of data collection, method of data collection, how to communicate data, resources for collection, resources for data analysis, metric evaluation method, relative resource allocation, and unknowns. Lastly, a 2-page annual report template was created to communicate key metrics to primarily a legislative audience, with the goal of expanding the template to reach other stakeholders such as school buyers, farmers, and producers. The five key metrics recommended to the F2S team include 1) changes in program successes/barriers, 2) changes in market channels, 3) type/nature of transactions between school buyers and producers, 4) top products purchased, and 5) percent of local food spending.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): MPH Practicum, PH Concentration Poster
Author(s): Kate Shuhart
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2024
Adviser(s):