Since local and regional governments (LRGs) have the mandate to procure food for public canteens in the EU, the purpose of this policy brief is to provide LRGs with insights on how to connect small-scale farmers with food tendering processes in legally compliant ways. LRGs can apply more inclusive sustainable food procurement procedures while respecting the existing EU regulatory framework and principles. In doing so, LRGs have the potential to support small-scale farmers and save them from disappearing across Europe.