ROOM AT THE TABLE - Intersight - University at Buffalo

e generated locally, only that the percentage of return to the county will be
based on 16% of gross sales, including from snack and sandwich machines.
An essential change to the system of purchasing food for county institutions
must take place; for example, in order for a proposed contract dealing with
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purchase must engage the local food system’s producers or processors.
County contracts must give preference to Erie County­produced
and packaged foods. This may be done by directing the Department of
Purchasing to be aware of local producers. Erie County has the potential to
greatly advance the interests of local producers by stating clear preferences
to buy producer grown or processed in Erie County. Pilot programs could
begin at model institutions like county­run medical facilities. A procurement
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growers or processors. By requiring minimum local food purchases, the
County would send a clear message for such a preference to buy locally and
act as an example to local businesses to follow suit.
17. Pass a Food System Development Fund (Medium Priority)
Currently, there is no countywide policy for these types of policy
initiatives. In working in conjunction with the Legislature, the county
should collect data and information that will enable the Legislature to pass
a resolution that will bring the issue before county residents within the
next two years. Additionally, the Department of Environment and Planning
should research and create guidelines that will explain how impact fees
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guidelines will inform developers and help them plan accordingly.
Any of the recommendations here, or proposed by an Erie County
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possible structures for funding food system revitalization efforts: the sale of
bonds to fund agricultural business, or using development fees in a way to
divert them to the food system.
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