Or, how can a bunch of eggheads help schools “feed more kids”?

David ConnerMichigan State University

FOCUS Research Goals and Methods

AcknowledgementsThanks to The W. K. Kellogg Foundation for funding

for this projectLiquori and Assoc. for ongoing leadershipSt Paul Public Schools for incredible

patience, cooperation and generosity with time

Learning Lab partners Dorothy and Getachew

You, for having me!

Overview: Research Methods

Overall approach: participatory action research meets economics

Background researchPriority itemsResearch questionsActivitiesKey lessons learned so far

Research Methods?

Learning Lab?

Transforming the Food System!

MethodsUnique ModelCo-learningParticipatoryAction oriented

“No transformation without ambiguity and risk”

Investigate potential of “value chain” approach: strategic partnerships for long term mutual benefit

Background researchLay of the landWhat does the school food team consider

“local”?USDA Census of Agriculture Data: what

crops does the region grow? Specifically, for what crops is supply > demand?

Interviews with state department of agriculture, commodity groups, active participants in local food markets: What are the most prominent local foodsHow do they get to consumers?

BackgroundLocal/region is five-state area: MN, WI, IA, ND,

SDTwin Cities has thriving local food movement:

14 farmers markets31 CSAs

Good regional supply of:Wheat, oats, dry beansProcessing vegetables: peas, corn, beans, carrotsPork, eggs, dairy

Common local foods: apples, squash, sweet corn, peppers, tomatoes

Priority items-changes for SPPSMilk

Lower sugar in flavored milkProduced without rBST

BreadLocally produced (local flour)More whole grains

Fruits and vegetablesLocalFair costs/benefits for all

PoultryLocal turkey?Healthier

Research QuestionsAs “contract” with school team: will

responses permit desired change?As guide to interviews and data analysisWhat are current practices?What are other options?What are the tradeoffs?What has to change to make it happen?

School practices and policiesVendor products and practices Public policies

ActivitiesInterviews Current and prospective suppliersMN School Buying ClubCommodity group

School data analysisHistorical purchase data: prices, quantitiesDelivery routes

Hypothesis formation and testing

Lessons: “A shrink, an economist and a big travel budget…”“School Food 101” is complicated

Learning curve for usValue of us teaching SF101 to vendors“Legwork” is time consuming, necessary –

how to expedite for future pilot schools?Different relationships, different value?

Produce: two way to three wayMilk: cooperatives versus spot purchasesPoultry: vertically integratedFlour: undifferentiated, interchangeable

More to come…Hypothesis: do closer relationships and

better communication along supply chain result in increased value for customer?

If so, how do we foster these within constraints of school food service time and budget?RFP?Bid specs?Meetings with farmers?Other?

Stay Tuned!

Thank you!David S. Conner, Ph.D.C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food SystemsDepartment of CARRS309 Natural Resources BldgMichigan State UniversityEast Lansing MI 48823Voice: 517-353-1914Fax: 517 353-3834Email: connerd@msu.eduhttp://www.mottgroup.msu.edu