Following unanimous committee vote, Atlanta City Council should adopt resolution calling for healthier food in public places

Statement of CSPI policy associate Jessi Silverman

Yesterday, the Atlanta City Council Finance/Executive Committee unanimously voted in favor of a resolution directing the city's Chief Health Officer and Chief Procurement Officer to establish evidence-based nutrition standards for food offered in city-owned or controlled places and vending machines. Introduced early last week by Councilmember Andrea L. Boone, this resolution provides a critical opportunity to ensure that foods and beverages offered by city entities support health, rather than undermine it.

CSPI thanks the committee members for taking this step toward supporting the health of Atlanta residents through healthier food. We urge all councilmembers to vote in favor of the resolution when it comes before the full council on Monday. This would bring Atlanta into the movement of over one hundred state and local governments who have adopted guidelines for foods and beverages on their property and in their programs. In addition to making healthier food and beverages available for employees, program participants, and the public, this approach invests in a healthier food system, harnessing the purchasing power of public institutions to improve community food environments and promote equitable access to healthy food.