400 Miles or Less: The Case for Local Food Procurement Policies in U.S. Schools

In the United States, the growing prevalence of overweight and obese children is of public health importance. Since the early 1980s, prevalence has more than tripled and presently, approximately 1 in 5 children are living with obesity. Because nearly half of all calories consumed by children occur during the school day, policy interventions on the school level present a significant opportunity for impact. A primary factor with regard to obesity is diet, and consuming healthier, fresher foods positively impact child health. This essay recommends adopting a local food procurement policy as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). A general search for local food procurement policies in the Growing Good Food Connections Policy database was conducted, as well as a review of jurisdictions that have adopted the Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) model standards to form a representative sample. The GFPP model is based on five values – local economies, nutrition, valued workforce, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare – and promotes procuring local, fresh foods. In summary, schools that have adopted a local food procurement policy find students choose healthy, fresh food options while in school and consume, on average, more fruits and vegetables. A brief review of Brazil as a global leader in school feeding programs and its utilization of local food further supports adopting a local food procurement policy and can be used to inform the U.S. as it builds a coalition in support of a national food policy and local food procurement policy. This essay concludes with three recommendations. First, the U.S. must develop a national food policy so all food, agriculture, and nutrition laws, policies, and regulations can be integrated and coordinated across all departments and agencies in the government. Second, a standard or uniform procurement policy based on existing programs and models must be established. Finally, the U.S. must adopt a local food procurement policy for the NSLP through the legislative process. Adopting a local food procurement policy will promote healthy eating behaviors in schools and positively impact child health by decreasing the prevalence of overweight and obese children in the U.S