Institutional Buyer Interview Questions

This questionnaire surrounds the purchasing patterns and interest in local products, the preferred local suppliers and the partnership, barriers to purchasing local products, and the rationale for working with local suppliers specifically. The questionnaire offers a high-level overview of organizations’ economic and decision-making practices and could help inform gaps and needs within a local food system and similarly strengths and areas for connection, and in providing perspective on agricultural sales within an area.

This data tool helps identify institutional buyers’ challenges when purchasing food, such as cost, availability, and institutional policies. In addition, it helps gather information on the buying practices of institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies, which can inform efforts to promote sustainable and equitable food systems.