A total of 160 NGOs want implementation of Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities
Food awareness organization, ProVeg US, along with 160 other non-governmental organizations, is calling on US President Joe Biden to issue an Executive Order that will promote the public procurement of healthy, plant-based foods in federal facilities.
In a letter to the President, the NGOs thank the Biden Administration for making the commitment to update and implement the Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities (FSG). This commitment acknowledges that the federal government must lead by example to transform the food system for the better.
But with less than two years left of this presidential term, Mr. Biden is being urged to make good on the commitment with an Executive Order to update and require implementation of the FSG in all federally owned and operated facilities.
“Issuing an Executive Order will set an example for the nation to follow by prioritizing human health, sustainability, and animal welfare,” Lana Weidgenant, US Policy and Campaigns Manager at ProVeg, said.
“The impact of the food system is staggering, but this impact can be significantly reduced with a few simple changes, such as in the area of food procurement.” Weidgenant said.
While the Bureau of Prisons’ national menu already includes a plant-based main dish option at every lunch and dinner meal, this is currently an exception to the norm.
Expenditure at $8.8 billion
The federal government currently spends around $8.8 billion every year on food purchases which largely support the current industrial food system, which damages human, animal, and planetary health.
By fully implementing the FSG through an Executive Order, the federal government can leverage its immense purchasing power to promote plant-based meals, improving health outcomes and reducing long-term healthcare costs. This visionary step will benefit millions, including federal employees, veterans, members of the armed services, and individuals in federal prisons.
The NGOs also call for the Executive Order to establish a timeline and process for developing and implementing comprehensive, values-aligned food procurement standards for federal agencies.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For media inquiries, email Lana Weidgenant at [email protected]
About ProVeg International
ProVeg is an international food awareness organization working to transform the global food system by replacing conventional animal-based products with plant-based and cultivated alternatives.
ProVeg works with international decision-making bodies, governments, food producers, investors, the media, and the general public to help the world transition to a society and economy that are less dependent on animal agriculture and more sustainable for humans, animals, and the planet.
ProVeg has permanent-observer status with the UNFCCC, is accredited for UNEA, and has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award. ProVeg also has Observer Status at the IPCC.
