Our Mission
At American Farm to Institute, our mission is to bridge the gap between farmers/ranchers and institutions, ensuring that the nutritious, locally grown foods produced by our hardworking farmers are accessible to all. We believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to fresh, healthy food. Whether it's our nation’s most vulnerable children and seniors or institutions like hospitals, colleges, and the hospitality industry, we are committed to fostering relationships that bring the best local produce to those who need it most.
Our Story
American Farm to Institute (AFTI) was founded with the vision of creating a sustainable and equitable food system. Recognizing the challenges faced by both local farmers and institutions in accessing and providing fresh produce, we set out to create a solution. Our goal is to ensure that the pivotal work farmers do to cultivate nutritious food and goods reaches consumers efficiently and effectively.
Since our inception, we have been dedicated to promoting and providing locally grown foods to institutions while training organizations on how to embed agricultural practices into their operations. By doing so, we not only support local farmers but also enhance the quality of food available to various institutions, creating a robust value chain that benefits everyone involved.
Our Priorities
Promote and Provide
One of our core priorities at AFTI is to advocate for and supply locally grown foods to institutions. We work tirelessly to ensure that fresh, high-quality produce from local farmers is made available to consumers, particularly those in vulnerable populations. By promoting the benefits of locally sourced foods, we help institutions make better food choices that contribute to the health and well-being of their communities.
Training Organizations
In addition to providing fresh produce, we are committed to training organizations on how to integrate agricultural practices into their operations. Our comprehensive training programs equip institutions with the knowledge and skills needed to source, process, and serve locally grown foods effectively. By embedding these practices, organizations can ensure a steady supply of fresh food from local producers, thereby supporting the local economy and fostering sustainable practices.
Comprehensive Training and Resources
As a national agricultural nonprofit, AFTI offers a wide range of services to connect institutions with local farmers and producers. We provide quality training, subject matter presentations, and resources to help institutions and their staff understand the importance of locally sourced food and how to incorporate it into their daily operations. Our network of clients and employees has access to seminars, training materials, and a roster of local producers, offering a myriad of goods at their disposal.
Agricultural Education and Consultations
We also prioritize agricultural education and consultations. Our educational programs are designed to inform institutions and farmers about best practices in agriculture, sustainability, and food safety. Through personalized consultations, we offer tailored advice and support to help farmers and institutions optimize their processes and achieve their goals.
Building Strong Relationships:
A key component of our work at AFTI is building and nurturing relationships between institutions and local farmers. We host quarterly trainings to keep our clients and employees up to date with the latest agricultural business tactics. These events also provide an opportunity for clients to foster new relationships with farmers and producers in their region, creating a supportive network that enhances the availability and quality of local produce.