In conjunction with the other pilot initiatives, Food Flow is exploring better access for community agencies to products from local farmers. The project is exploring direct purchases, as well as arrangements for Grade B product suitable for processing. New connections for donations and gleaning may also develop as part of the project.
The Sharing Farm in Richmond, B.C., offers an interesting model for a farm to agency collaboration. New Farm in Ontario also works closely with The Stop Community Food Centre to provide healthy fresh food for their clients. For Food Flow, these new suppliers can provide a source for processing in the food flow kitchen, storage of bulk purchases in the freezer, and direct supply for community meal programs.