POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

This law sets healthy food standards for contracts for concession stands, cafeterias and vending machines on property owned by the County of Suffolk, except for restaurants at County golf courses where food and beverages are served by wait staff, the Suffolk County correctional facilities, the Long Island Ducks Stadium, the Vanderbilt Museum and at Suffolk County Community College campuses. It addresses specific categories of food that must be offered and places restrictions on calories and sodium for certain foods. Additionally, it requires posting of caloric information; and advertising healthy choices on vending machine promotional space.

Background Information

State New York
Jurisdiction Name Suffolk County
Jurisdiction Type County,
Population Size 800,000+
Legal Strategies
  • Requires something, sets standards
Reach Limited scope
It only applies to food service and vending on county-owned property.
Food System Category Distribute; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
Unclear

Mentions obesity epidemic among children. §36-3(A).

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
Yes

See, e.g., references to the following: "diabetes," "cardiovascular diseases," "obesity," "promoting good health." § 36-3 (A).

Environmental linkage?
Yes

See, e.g., references to the following: "local organic foods," "local produce." § 36-3 (B).

Economic linkage?
Yes

See, e.g., this reference: "improvement of Long Island's economy." § 36-3 (B).

Includes findings?
Yes

"Although not labeled ""findings,"" the ""intent"" section includes this language: ""This Legislature hereby finds and determines that obesity is an epidemic throughout the United States among both children and adults, which can cause significant health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This Legislature also finds and determines that over 59% of Suffolk County residents are overweight or obese pursuant to body mass index (BMI) calculations. This Legislature further finds that the County of Suffolk should adopt a leadership role in promoting good health and fighting obesity."" ""This Legislature finds that the County of Suffolk operates a network of parks, many of which feature concession stands that allow visitors to purchase a convenient meal. Other County facilities have cafeterias and vending machines that make food and beverages available to visitors and employees. This Legislature also finds that concession stands in other areas of the country that offer healthy food and beverages are finding their businesses thriving, with increased profits and reduced production costs. This Legislature determines that County park concessions, cafeterias and vending machines should offer healthy menu items that are readily available for purchase by visitors and employees to encourage consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. This Legislature also finds that improving the food offerings available at County facilities will also showcase our vibrant local farming community, expose residents to local and local organic foods and produce, and contribute to the improvement of Long Island's economy."" § 36-3."

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Yes

"The purpose of this article is to require that healthy food standards be incorporated into all future County agreements with concession, cafeteria and vending machine operators." §36-3 (C).

Includes definitions?
No

Addresses implementation?
No

Enforcement provisions?
Yes

"The violation of the terms of this article, which are contained in contracts for the provision of food and beverages, shall constitute grounds for termination of a contract." § 36-6 (B).

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

Article II, Food and Beverage Contracts is located in Part I: Administrative Local Laws; Chapter 36, County Property. History: Adopted 7-29-2014 by L.L. No. 24-2014.

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