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NYC Food Standards

The New York City Food Standards (Standards) were established in 2008 and reaffirmed by Executive Order 8 in 2022 and are required in all NYC government agencies. The Standards aim to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, by increasing access to healthy foods and improving dietary intake. The Standards set guidelines for any government facility where food is served, including vending machines, meetings/events, and for the approximately 219 million meals and snacks served each year at the City’s facilities and programs including schools, older adult centers, child care centers, after school programs, shelters, public hospitals, correctional facilities and other City programs. 

The NYC Standards for Meals and Snacks Purchased and Served (Meals and Snacks Standards) fall under the Standards and help to combat some of the structural inequities that make healthy eating inaccessible for those with limited resources by ensuring that any New Yorker accessing meals or snacks from City agencies and their contractors will be served more nutritious foods. The Standards promote a just and equitable food system that supports local and regional economies while minimizing harmful impacts, in alignment with long-term public health goals. Requirements and recommendations related to Good Food Purchasing initiative priorities are included throughout the Standards and reflect the interrelated nature of promoting individual, community and planetary health. 

Each year, we compile data on City agency compliance to the Food Standards. Read the latest compliance report.

Learn more about the Food Standards.


Nutrition: At Work and in City Facilities 

Non-government employers and City agencies can improve workplace food environments by making healthier food and beverages available. They can also educate their staff about good nutrition and health. 

We encourage employers to adopt the NYC Food Standards. These Standards are evidence-based nutrition criteria for all foods and beverages employers serve. 

The Health Department also provides resources and support for healthy eating workshops that employers and City agencies can hold at their workplaces for staff and community members.  

 

Mandatory Standards and Implementation Guides for City Facilities and Vendors 


Voluntary Adoption of the Standards 

The Health Department encourages private businesses and community- and faith-based organizations to adopt the NYC Food Standards. 

Since 2012, over 40 NYC hospitals have committed to implementing the Standards in their patient meals, food and beverage vending machines and cafeterias and cafés. Over 20 community- and faith-based organizations have committed to implementing the Standards for meetings/events. 

 

Additional Resources to Implement Standards  

Check out our other resources below to help you implement NYC Food Standards in your organization.   

For more information about how you can follow the NYC Food Standards at your workplace, email nycfoodstandards@health.nyc.gov.  

Meals/Snacks Purchased and Served 

Meetings and Events 

Beverage Vending Machines  

Food Vending Machines  

Cafeterias and Cafés  


Healthy Eating Workshops 

The Health Department supports organizations in offering nutrition education to employees and clients through healthy eating workshops. You can deliver workshops as "lunch and learns," worksite wellness activities or nutrition education programs for clients. Each workshop topic below includes a PowerPoint presentation and corresponding notes.  


More Information