County staff on Dec. 10 updated the Board of Supervisors on implementation of the countywide Sysco food contract, which the county said accounts for roughly $12 million in annual spending and is intended to advance Board Policy B75’s six value categories: local sourcing, equity‑informed sourcing, elevated labor standards, organic/regenerative certification, low carbon intensity and nutritional co‑benefit.

Staff reported early gains in supplier transparency, a modest increase in spending from equity‑informed suppliers (about $400,000), and initial local sourcing (staff cited roughly $300,000 from local suppliers in the most recent fiscal year). The contract requires Sysco (the prime vendor) to improve production location data and cooperate on supplier onboarding. County speakers noted it is difficult for small farms to meet volume, packaging and cold‑chain requirements for high‑volume institutional purchasers such as detention facilities and Edgemoor Nursing.

Public comment was extensive. Small‑scale producers and community advocates pressed for more aggressive outreach and technical assistance; callers warned about food safety and corporate scale, and some opposed plant‑forward menu changes. Supervisors emphasized outreach to the Farm Bureau, targeted technical assistance to help small suppliers meet sanitation and packaging standards, and asked staff to clarify packaging constraints specific to detention facilities.

Board direction: Supervisors voted unanimously to accept the update and directed staff to return in 90 days with a report and presentation that includes: (1) an aggressive technical assistance plan for small local farms and disadvantaged suppliers; (2) analysis of county packaging and procurement requirements that may impede local sourcing; and (3) specific, achievable goals for the six value categories for the coming year.

Clarifying details: staff said the Sysco contract shifts data tracking to an in‑house office of evaluation and performance and that the sheriff’s office and Edgemoor are major spenders under the contract, which affects feasibility for small producers. Staff and Sysco representatives described supplier onboarding tools and a supplier Smartsheet that flags value categories for prospective vendors.

Ending: The board asked staff to return in 90 days with a plan emphasizing technical assistance, Farm Bureau outreach and concrete local sourcing targets so the county can better measure progress toward B75 goals.