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Nourishing Our Community

Value Aligned Procurement

Our Value-Aligned Procurement Task Force is a strategic partnership among BMC Food Service,
Nourishing Our Community, and an interprofessional team of chefs, dietitians, physicians, and
local food growers and producers. Formalized in 2025, the initiative prioritizes food purchasing
practices that reflect shared values across hospital cafeterias and patient nutrition programs.​

Through the task force, a portfolio of projects is underway, including the BMC Farm Stand, Local
Vendor Highlights, and a range of educational events and resources designed to promote
community health, sustainability, and equitable food systems.​

What is Value Aligned Procurement

Values aligned procurement considers criteria beyond lowest price, considering how purchases affecthealth, sustainability, economic, and equity outcomes. Local: Grown or harvested within 250 miles/ 500 miles for meat/poultry/seafood​Sustainable: Production practices limit environmental impacts and community exposures (pesticides, antibiotics) and support soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.​Equitable: Creates market opportunities for diverse producers, foods align with community traditions and preferences, and supports community health and nutrition through improved food and nutrition security​

Mission

To leverage healthcare procurement as a catalyst for community health and wealth building by directing resources toward local, sustainable, and equitable food systems.​

Goal

To allocate at least 20% ($200,000) to value aligned purchases by 2030 ​

Local and National Collaborations

The team represents BMC on the City of Boston’s Green Ribbon Commission, the Boston Anchor
Values-Based Food Purchasing Core Group, Cool Food, and Practice Green Health, contributing to
citywide efforts to strengthen anchor institution food purchasing practices. At the national level, BMC's
involvement in the National Academy of Medicine’s Climate Communities Network has created
opportunities to share its climate and sustainability work at national convenings, including the Climate
& Health Summit. ​

Additional Information

BMC Food Services is committed to featuring value aligned products throughout our cafeterias, using procurement as a lever to support local producers, strengthen equitable food systems, and provide food that is both delicious and nutritious. Visit the cafeteria to explore these initiatives and look for icons that highlight how your food choices can support your health, your community, and the planet.​

BMC Farm Stand: The BMC Farm Stand is a dedicated space highlighting locally sourced products. Every purchase supports local businesses and regional producers.​​

Local Highlights: Menu items featuring locally sourced ingredients, supporting regional food systems and seasonal agriculture. ​

Plant-Forward: Plant-forward options that emphasize vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to support both personal health and environmental sustainability.​

Food is Medicine: Learn from physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other nutrition experts at BMC about how the food you eat supports your health, strengthens communities, and contributes to a more sustainable food system.​

BMC's patient food programs are designed to support health, dignity, and access through value-aligned food and nutrition care. Across the Teaching Kitchen, Food Pantry, and Nourishing at Home program, we use food as a core part of care-providing medically and culturally appropriate foods, practical skills, and education to help patients and families meet their health goals. Through these programs, we also invest in local food systems and equitable supply chains to strengthen the communities we serve.​