LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has voted to include extra plant-based meals and fewer animal merchandise into the meals it affords at county-run amenities as a approach to scale back greenhouse fuel emissions.
The board adopted a movement Tuesday by Board Chair Lindsey Horvath and Supervisor Hilda Solis to transition to extra plant-based choices in its 111 meals contracts throughout hospitals, colleges and different county amenities.
“Los Angeles County has the chance to overtake outdated meals insurance policies so that they match greatest practices at present,” Horvath mentioned. “This motion will scale back greenhouse fuel emissions and meals waste, and increase wholesome meals choices at county amenities — all significant wins as we proceed to guide on sustainable practices.”
The movement notes that the worldwide meals system accounts for 30% of human-caused GHG emissions, with animal merchandise producing 90% extra greenhouse gases than plant-based options.
The board mentioned related insurance policies in different elements of the nation have proven success, noting that New York Metropolis’s hospital system diminished its prices and food-related carbon emissions by 36%, and “affected person satisfaction of the revamped menu elevated to greater than 90%” after one 12 months of implementation.
“Los Angeles County is without doubt one of the largest contracting entities in Southern California,” Solis mentioned. “To that finish, it’s crucial that we take a look at our meals contracting processes and the way we will incorporate options that may decrease our carbon footprint and scale back our contribution to world warming. Addressing greenhouse fuel emissions requires each complete sweeping motion on a big scale, in addition to collective actions domestically. I’m proud that we’re on this struggle and encourage others to comply with go well with.”
As a part of the movement, the Division of Public Well being will evaluate its Nutritional Standards for Prepared Foods, Snacks and Beverages, and incorporate up-to-date evidence-based suggestions on buying, promoting and serving extra plant-based and plant-forward meals.
The updates will return to the board in 120 days with suggestions from accomplice departments on easy methods to improve participation and curiosity.
A evaluate can be performed of the county’s meals buying carbon footprint with consideration for easy methods to monitor the several types of meals the county is buying and recommending how officers can scale back the quantity of animal merchandise being bought.
“As extra People select plant-based meals for causes equivalent to well being, environmental safety, and animal welfare, public buying should mirror this shift,” mentioned Leah Garcés, CEO and president of the Los Angeles-based animal rights group Mercy for Animals. “Mercy for Animals significantly appreciates Supervisors Horvath and Solis for sponsoring this coverage change and the county’s dedication to offering wholesome plant-based choices to residents who profit from county meals applications. We stay up for working with LA County in implementing this coverage.”
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