Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) in Washington, D.C.

The Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) in Washington, D.C. addresses food sustainability by guiding institutions to source food that supports local economies, promotes environmental sustainability, and ensures fair labor practices. It emphasizes values such as nutrition, animal welfare, and responsible sourcing. The policy achieves this by providing a framework for institutions to make food purchasing decisions aligned with these goals, improving overall food systems within the city.

The Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) in Washington D.C. is part of a national initiative that focuses on improving communities through sustainable food purchasing.

The Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) is monitored by a coalition of public, private, and non-profit organizations in Washington D.C. This group is responsible for overseeing the program's implementation, tracking progress, and ensuring the standards are met. The Center for Good Food Purchasing (CGFP) also plays a central role in evaluating and supporting the policy across cities. Monitoring is based on food purchasing metrics that align with the program’s five values.

The Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) is evaluated based on its coalition's strategic objectives, which are broken down into short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions. In the short term (6 months), the coalition focuses on immediate impact, such as engaging institutions. In the medium term (1 year), it refines the program based on initial results. Over the long term (5 years), the coalition aims to sustain and expand the program’s influence. The strategic plan is updated annually to reflect evolving priorities and progress. The Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) in Washington D.C. has made significant strides in improving food systems: -Correctional Facilities Bill: The FRESH STARTS Act is a legislative effort aimed at improving food quality in D.C.'s correctional facilities, including the D.C. Jail. The bill mandates that food served meets federal nutritional standards, supports the purchase of nutrient-dense foods, and introduces a culinary arts training program for incarcerated individuals. It also establishes a "fresh foods" fund to ensure better food quality and proposes a task force to develop guidelines. The act is part of broader efforts to reform conditions and close the D.C. Jail by 2027. -DC Greens Initiative: DC Greens' Produce Plus Program aims to tackle food insecurity and support local farmers by offering subsidies for fresh produce to residents receiving federal benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. The program partners with farmers' markets in D.C., allowing participants to use vouchers to purchase healthy food, promoting food justice and economic support. Beyond food access, DC Greens also emphasizes education and community involvement, with plans to expand outreach and advocacy for systemic change in food access. -Fully Funded School Breakfast: The D.C. Council has fully funded the Healthy Students Amendment Act, ensuring free breakfast for all public school students in the District of Columbia. This follows a successful petition led by Pumpkin Dicks, a concerned grandmother, which gathered over 33,000 signatures. The funding will support healthier breakfasts for students, improving concentration, test scores, and overall health. The initiative, backed by local organizations, highlights the importance of prioritizing children's nutrition for their academic success. -D.C. Public Schools: The D.C. Council approved the Good Food Purchasing Program as part of the Healthy Students Amendment Act, aimed at enhancing student nutrition and supporting local economies. DCPS is the fifth school district in the U.S. to implement this initiative, which focuses on sustainability, nutrition, animal welfare, and workforce development. This program builds on successful efforts in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

https://sustainable.dc.gov/sdc2