{"id":69756,"date":"2025-01-07T17:00:06","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T01:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=69756"},"modified":"2025-01-07T17:00:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T01:00:06","slug":"board-directs-changes-to-food-purchasing-to-reduce-ghg-emissions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=69756","title":{"rendered":"Board Directs Changes to Food Purchasing to Reduce GHG Emissions"},"content":{"rendered":"

LOS ANGELES, CA<\/strong> \u2013 Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Hilda L. Solis\u2019 motion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through its food purchasing practices. The motion directs departments to develop a protocol to amend existing food contracts following updated Department of Public Health (DPH) nutrition standards, prioritizing plant-based foods and to develop food-based emissions reduction targets for the next decade.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe food we consume plays a critical role in both our personal wellbeing and the health of our planet. In passing our motion, Los Angeles County will enhance both by making fresh fruits, vegetables, and beans available to those we serve in our hospitals and County facilities,\u201d said\u00a0Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cExpanding our food procurement program is a key step in achieving our emissions reduction goals\u2014vital to urgently addressing the climate crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n

This action follows the Supervisors\u2019 February 2024 motion to begin this process. DPH updated their Nutritional Standards for Prepared Foods, Snacks and Beverages with evidence-based practices to require more plant-forward food options. They also issued a detailed report about the County\u2019s existing food procurement practices with recommendations on promoting more plant-based food options through the County\u2019s contract selection process and providing educational materials to departments on ways to meet food-emission targets. With that information and this motion, the County will implement changes to the County\u2019s approach to food procurement and use data to better understand our carbon footprint to set target reduction goals.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith ever-growing concerns about nutrition and the environment, we must emphasize sustainability and prioritize local growers, especially our small businesses, that bring nutritious produce to local farmers\u2019 markets in our County,” said\u00a0Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis<\/strong>. “Together, we can decrease the County\u2019s greenhouse gas contributions and negative impact on our environment while increasing healthy options for everyone in our neighborhoods to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Addressing the climate crisis requires changes in every sector. Plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and beans generally use less energy, land, and water, and have lower greenhouse gas intensities compared to animal-based foods. Animal-products have been linked to higher risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Climate experts and scientists agree that the \u2018food systems’ approach\u00a0should provide preference to plant-based products over animal-based products due to their health benefits and low GHG emissions.<\/p>\n

The following actions are included in the motion:<\/p>\n