Chicago: Mayor Johnson Signs Executive Order Establishing Nutrition Standards For Foods And Beverages Sold Or Served On City Property
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Signs Executive Order to Improve Nutrition Standards on City-Owned Property

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken a significant step towards promoting healthier eating habits in the city by signing an executive order that establishes nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold or served on city-owned property. This move is part of the mayor's partnership with the Chicago Department for Public Health (CDPH) to improve the understanding and culture of nutritional foods while also addressing the connection between diets and chronic diseases.

The executive order aims to ensure that low-fat, low-sugar, and culturally appropriate food options are available in all city facilities. It also seeks to improve access to these options for residents in low-income areas who may have limited choices. Mayor Johnson believes that this initiative is crucial in building healthy, whole, and safe communities across Chicago.

"Ensuring every Chicagoan, no matter their zip code, has access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food is critical to our work of building healthy communities," said Mayor Johnson. "This order brings together the full force of government to make healthy eating a priority in our schools, parks, and all public spaces."

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Under this new order, all city agencies will be required to follow mandatory purchasing guidelines for any food sold or served on city property. This includes defining terms and establishing best practice guidelines. These standards will not only help city partners and non-profits guide their own purchasing decisions but also create a shared understanding of what constitutes "nutritious food" across the city.

According to Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige, MD, MS, MPH, this executive order is a step towards changing norms around food access and reducing contributions to food-related chronic diseases. The CDPH will work closely with the City of Chicago to encourage and improve nutritional standards by substituting processed, high-sodium and high-sugar foods with healthier options that are also affordable and accessible.

This announcement builds on years of community engagement and incorporates recommendations from the Food Equity Council's Institutional Food Procurement Workgroup. The order also reaffirms the city's commitment to promoting healthier eating habits among employees and the public by reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, candy, and other non-nutritious foods. These efforts not only improve health outcomes but also reduce long-term healthcare costs by decreasing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

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The executive order includes exemptions for food service programs that are already regulated by state or federal nutritional guidelines, as well as those targeted to specific contexts or populations, such as shelter operations. These exemptions were developed in consultation with the Department for Family and Support Services (DFSS) to provide flexibility to existing operations.

According to the Food Equity Council's 2023 annual report, Chicago's City Departments and sister agencies spend approximately $321.86 million annually on food-related contracts. Of this amount, $13.3 million is estimated to be contracted by DFSS, with the remainder being contracted by sister agencies such as Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, City Colleges of Chicago, and more.

The full text of the Executive Order will be available on the City Clerk's website for public access. This move by Mayor Johnson is a significant step towards promoting healthier eating habits in Chicago and improving access to nutritious food options for all residents.

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