A new Cornell University tool is helping New York institutions measure the economic impact of buying local food. According to the university, this tool shows how spending on local products supports jobs, suppliers, and tax revenues beyond just the sticker price.
Developed by Cornell economists, the “net-cost tool” aims to guide schools, hospitals, and prisons in evaluating when paying slightly more for local goods is worth it. The tool’s launch follows Gov. Kathy Hochul’s order for state agencies to source 30% of their food locally by 2027.
Researchers say early adoption is already underway, with school districts and Albany officials exploring broader use. The tool could reshape how public agencies approach food sourcing in support of the local economy.
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