Good Food Purchasing Program – Chicago
Chicago and Cook County, Illinois, USA.
Vendor and Product Properties, Marketing and Regulation, Desirability, Norms and Preferences, Social Capital
Regional
Citizens/Consumers, Businesses, Public Sector
Ongoing
The policy aims to transform public food procurement across Chicago and Cook County by integrating five values: local economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition. This is achieved by engaging city agencies, schools, and parks to adopt procurement standards aligned with the Good Food Purchasing Program.
Initiated by the Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC), the program began gaining traction in 2016 with support from the Mayor’s Office. Pilots were conducted in the Chicago Park District, and Chicago Public Schools integrated the program into their wellness policy in June 2017. The City of Chicago adopted the program in October 2017, followed by Cook County in May 2018.
Oversight is managed by CFPAC and participating city and county agencies. The Center for Good Food Purchasing provides technical assistance, while institutions report progress and compliance with the program’s values.
Chicago Public Schools implemented the program in 2017, redirecting over $80 million in food purchases to support values-based procurement, benefiting 380,000 students annually. The Chicago Park District piloted the program in 2016, influencing $5 million in food purchases / Cook County adoption expanded the program’s reach to additional agencies and departments / Anticipated outcomes include reduced environmental impact, increased local jobs and wages, and lower health risks and associated healthcare costs.
https://goodfoodcities.org/portfolio/chicago/?portfolioCats=32