GoLocal

In response to a deep need for more inclusivity and fairness in institutional purchasing, the Center for Shared Prosperity at Carnegie Mellon University established an equitable procurement program, titled GoLocal aimed at fostering equitable, diverse, and socially responsible purchasing. The Center for Shared Prosperity works with local food businesses to increase their visibility on campus, and with campus buyers to increase catering purchases from  small local businesses through the GoLocal directory and awareness campaign. 

Developed with the CREATE Lab, the GoLocal directory makes it easy for buyers to connect with local food businesses offering catering. Along with the directory, we run an awareness campaign on campus to increase the visibility of local food businesses and celebrate those who buy local. We educate students and administrators about the value of buying local through awareness programming, recruiting buyers as advocates for local purchasing, and coordinating with Procurement Services and Campus Dining to embed buying local within existing programming. 

The program has emphasized comprehensive strategies, including a meticulous review of existing procurement policies and engagement with diverse suppliers through collaboration with local partners. Additionally, our partners have undertaken capacity-building interventions and workshops, ensuring suppliers from varied backgrounds are well-informed and equipped to participate in procurement opportunities. We aim to continue supporting other institutions in cultivating equitable procurement practices and contributing to broader social equity goals.