Fiscal Note
No appropriation is required at this time.
Title
Directing the Madison Food Policy Council to Draft a "Good Food Procurement" Policy for the City of Madison.
Body
WHEREAS, the Madison Food Policy Council was created to act in an advisory role to the Mayor and the Common Council, developing and making food policy changes and monitoring implementation relative to reducing hunger through providing community-wide access to food; enhancing the local and regional food economy; creating an economically socially, and environmentally sustainable local food system; and improving the health and nutrition of the community through local, healthy food options; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison can become a catalyst to other major institutions to purchase locally produced food in order to encourage greater sustainable agricultural practices, healthy eating, respect for workers' rights and the ethical treatment of animals; and
WHEREAS, these practices will encourage a local economy that supports the growth of small and mid-sized farmers and creating jobs all along the chain; and
WHEREAS, the outcome of supporting the growth of this market will have the added benefit of providing access to healthy and sustainable foods for all, including lower income residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison recognizes the importance of access to healthy and fresh food and beverages for all its employees and the constituents it serves; and
WHEREAS, maintaining a healthy diet is well documented to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other debilitating diseases;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Madison supports a citywide effort to foster health and create an environment in which opportunities to eat healthy are easily available for all City employees and the public; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that based on best practices in healthy food, vending and local food purchasing and by defining "good food" as healthy, affordable, fair, just and local; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Common Council direct the Madison Food Policy Council to draft a "Good Food Procurement" policy for healthy vending options, healthy menus and entrees for all city-owned and operated vending, including, but not limited to vending and catering contracts with the City, and to report the draft back to the Common Council at such time for public review.