LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has voted to incorporate more plant-based food and fewer animal products into the food it offers at county-run facilities as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The board adopted a motion Tuesday by Board Chair Lindsey Horvath and Supervisor Hilda Solis to transition to more plant-based options in its 111 food contracts across hospitals, schools and other county facilities.
“Los Angeles County has the opportunity to overhaul outdated food policies so they match best practices today,” Horvath said. “This action will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and food waste, and expand healthy food options at county facilities — all meaningful wins as we continue to lead on sustainable practices.”
The motion notes that the global food system accounts for 30% of human-caused GHG emissions, with animal products generating 90% more greenhouse gases than plant-based alternatives.
The board said similar policies in other parts of the country have shown success, noting that New York City’s hospital system reduced its costs and food-related carbon emissions by 36%, and “patient satisfaction of the revamped menu increased to more than 90%” after one year of implementation.
“Los Angeles County is one of the largest contracting entities in Southern California,” Solis said. “To that end, it is critical that we look at our food contracting processes and how we can incorporate alternatives that can lower our carbon footprint and reduce our contribution to global warming. Addressing greenhouse gas emissions requires both comprehensive sweeping action on a large scale, as well as collective actions locally. I’m proud that we’re in this fight and encourage others to follow suit.”
As part of the motion, the Department of Public Health will review its Nutritional Standards for Prepared Foods, Snacks and Beverages, and incorporate up-to-date evidence-based recommendations on purchasing, selling…
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