Right now, there are few healthy food and beverage options available in many public places, like parks, recreation centers, and other state and city buildings.But as many people try to eat healthier, the demand for healthier options is increasing. San Francisco is leading the way to answer that demand. The city has adopted a new ordinance that improves the nutritional quality of foods and beverages in vending machines on city and county-owned properties.

Ordinance No. 91-16, “Nutritional Standards for Food and Beverages Sold in Vending Machines on City Property or Served at City Meetings and Events” requires that prepackaged food and beverages sold in vending machines on City and County property meet specified nutritional standards and calorie labeling requirements. The new ordinance will give 29,000 city employees and more than 830,000 residents access to healthier foods and beverages in public places.What we eat and drink impacts our health, and we tend to eat what is easily available. Making healthy food and beverages available in public places lets children and families eat healthy, decreasing their risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Learn more about healthy vending.

October 2016