Pittsburgh - Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP)

The GFPP in Pittsburgh applies to public food procurement, specifically targeting public schools, city agencies, and other municipal food programs. The policy is designed to ensure food purchases align with the program’s five core values: local economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition. The policy aims to use Pittsburgh’s public procurement power to foster a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food system. The method involves: - Partnering with local and sustainable food suppliers. - Tracking food purchases to ensure compliance with the five GFPP values. - Integrating these values into municipal contracts, including those for schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities.

Pittsburgh adopted the GFPP in 2019, joining a growing number of cities committed to improving the sustainability and equity of their food systems. The policy was introduced by the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council and the City of Pittsburgh in collaboration with local advocacy groups. The implementation was driven by concerns about public health, environmental impacts, and economic opportunities for local farmers.

The Pittsburgh Food Policy Council oversees the implementation of the GFPP, with the support of local government agencies, including the Pittsburgh Department of Public Health and the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Monitoring includes: - Regular assessments of food procurement data to ensure alignment with GFPP standards. - Collaboration with the Center for Good Food Purchasing to evaluate progress. - Public reporting of outcomes and improvements in local food systems.

- Environmental Sustainability: The city has prioritized plant-based meals, sustainable sourcing practices, and reducing food waste across public institutions. - Local Economy: Pittsburgh has increased its procurement of locally grown and produced foods, benefiting regional farmers and food businesses. - Labor Standards: The city has worked to ensure that food suppliers adhere to fair labor practices. - Nutrition: Public schools and other institutions have improved the nutritional quality of meals, focusing on fresh, unprocessed, and nutritious foods. Challenges include managing the balance between cost constraints and meeting GFPP’s values, but Pittsburgh continues to make progress with the help of partnerships and innovative funding strategies.

https://www.pittsburghfoodpolicy.org/