Directs the department of health to develop state food guidelines for foods purchased, served, and sold by state agencies, programs, and institutions and on state property.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A2304
SPONSOR: Solages TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to guidelines for
food and beverages purchased or sold by state agencies
PURPOSE:
To expand healthy food choices and improve the food environment for
state employees, on state property, and in state-supported institutions
and programs.
SUMMARY:
Section 1. Article 2 of the public health law is amended by adding a new
title 4-A. Section 2. Sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Following a healthy diet as recommended by the federal government as it
can reduce risk of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer
1. Many New Yorkers,
particularly people of color and those with low incomes or disabilities,
face barriers to consistently accessing healthy and nutritious food. The
State has a responsibility to promote healthy eating and expand access
to healthy food through its procurement and sales.
This legislation will require the Department of Health in consultation
with the Office of General Services to develop state food standards
designed to promote healthy eating, sustainably, locally grown products,
and to reflect the allergens, preferences, and health needs of the
specific populations that the state agencies serve. These standards will
apply to all food and beverages purchased, prepared, served, and sold by
all state agencies, programs, institutions, and all food sold or served
on state property, including at all NYS government office buildings,
road-side rest areas, state parks, public schools, the Office of Aging
congregate facilities and meal delivery programs, Department of
Corrections and Community Supervision facilities, Bureau of Adult Care
homes facilities, and CUNY and SUNY schools.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
TBD.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A6720; reported referred to ways and means.
2021-22: A5682c; reported referred to ways and means.
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
1 https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov
