Los Angeles Good Food Purchasing Program

The policy directs public institutions in Los Angeles, including schools and city agencies, to align food procurement practices with the Good Food Purchasing Program’s five values: local economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition. The program seeks to transform the local food system by ensuring that public dollars are spent on food that supports equitable, sustainable, and healthy supply chains. The implementation involves: - Auditing food procurement practices. - Incorporating GFPP values into vendor contracts. - Partnering with local farmers and producers to meet procurement standards.

Los Angeles was the first city to adopt the GFPP in 2012, serving as a pilot and model for other cities. The policy was spearheaded by community advocacy groups, including the Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC), and supported by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). LAUSD, one of the largest school districts in the U.S., became a key implementation partner, leveraging its significant purchasing power to drive systemic change.

The Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) oversees policy implementation and monitoring. Public institutions, including LAUSD, report on compliance with GFPP criteria through annual assessments. Progress is measured using data on food sourcing, supply chain practices, and impact on local economies.

Los Angeles has achieved several milestones since implementing the GFPP: - Increased purchases of fresh, local produce, benefiting Southern California farmers. - Improved labor conditions across the supply chain by enforcing GFPP workforce standards. - Enhanced nutritional quality in public school meals, reaching over 650,000 students daily. - Reduced environmental impacts by prioritizing sustainable and plant-based food options. Challenges, such as balancing cost with procurement goals, have been addressed through strong partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms.

https://www.goodfoodla.org/