San Diego Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP)
San Diego, California, United States Address: City of San Diego Government, 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Vendor and Product Properties
Local
Businesses, Public Sector, Other (Please specify)
Ongoing
San Diego’s GFPP applies to public food procurement, specifically targeting public schools, municipal agencies, and other city-supported food programs. The policy supports the five GFPP values: local economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition. The program aims to transform the city’s food system by leveraging public procurement to promote sustainability, equity, and public health. Methods include: - Embedding GFPP principles into procurement contracts for public schools and city-run food services. - Collaborating with local food suppliers and producers to meet GFPP standards. - Conducting regular assessments and training to ensure alignment with program goals.
San Diego adopted the GFPP in 2021, following advocacy by community organizations and public health stakeholders. The initiative was spearheaded by the San Diego Food System Alliance in partnership with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). The district, as one of the largest school districts in California, plays a key role in advancing GFPP principles through its meal programs.
The San Diego Food System Alliance oversees GFPP implementation, with support from the City of San Diego and SDUSD. Monitoring efforts include: - Regular assessments of procurement data to track adherence to GFPP criteria. - Reporting outcomes to ensure transparency and progress. - Partnering with the Center for Good Food Purchasing for technical guidance and evaluations.
- Local Economy: Increased procurement from Southern California farmers and local food businesses, supporting regional economic growth. - Environmental Sustainability: Transitioned to more sustainable food sourcing, including reduced reliance on resource-intensive foods like beef. - Nutrition: Improved nutritional standards for school meals, offering healthier options to thousands of students. - Labor Standards: Ensured suppliers meet fair labor practices, supporting workers throughout the supply chain. Early results demonstrate progress in aligning food procurement with GFPP goals. The program continues to face challenges such as balancing costs and procurement targets, but it benefits from strong partnerships and public support.