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Staff Report.Plant Based Diet with attachments Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, Community Development Director, Library Director, and Finance Director 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov TOWN OF LOS GATOS COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: 11/01/2022 ITEM NO: 13 DATE: October 19, 2022 TO: Mayor and Town Council FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager SUBJECT: Provide Direction on the Approach to the Plant-Based Diet Education Implementation Program in the 2040 General Plan (Environment and Sustainability Element Program CC). RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction on the approach to the Plant-Based Diet Education Implementation Program in the 2040 General Plan (Environment and Sustainability Element Program CC). BACKGROUND: In 2019, the Town Council adopted Resolution 2019-062 to establish Green Mondays and Expand Plant-Based Offerings (see Attachment 1). This Resolution affects Town employee activities and events organized by the Town for the public (e.g., Spring into Green) to ensure that there are plant-based food options. In addition, in 2021, the Town updated its Purchasing Policy to include Healthy Food and Beverage Guidelines that incorporated requirements to offer plant based options when Town funds are being used. The Los Gatos Plant-Based Advocates (Advocates) actively participated in the 2040 General Plan update process, encouraging the Town Council to include an Implementation Program regarding plant-based diet education. The Council agreed and this item was added to the Environment and Sustainability Element as Program CC with the Town Manager’s Office and Library Department as the leads. In August 2022, the Town Manager met remotely with members of the Advocates to discuss Implementation Program CC. Some ideas for educational events that could occur at the Town Library included guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, or other programs. The Town Manager encouraged the Advocates to work directly with Library Director Baker. The Advocates were also interested in hosting an event at the Los Gatos Theatre and they were asked to speak directly with the operator of the facility. PAGE 2 OF 3 SUBJECT: Plant-Based Diet Education DATE: October 19, 2022 BACKGROUND (continued): The Mayor requested that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion and direction by the Town Council. DISCUSSION: Some examples of cities enacting legislation and plans to promote plant-based eating that were provided to the Mayor by the Advocates can be found in Attachments 2 through 7. While the 2040 General Plan Implementation Program focuses solely on education, there may be ideas within the actions of other jurisdictions that the Town Council may want to include in an education program. Staff intends to bring the short term 2040 Implementation Programs (except for those in the Land Use and Community Design Elements) to Town Council as part of its annual Strategic Priority setting discussion in January 2023. With so many Implementation Programs, it is critical for the Town Council to identify the Programs that should be built into staff and Town Commission workplans for 2023 and 2024. At the 2023 Strategic Priority session, the Council will also review its priorities for new ordinances and policies. It is possible that the Town Council could add an Ordinance or policy to further enhance its policy interest in plant-based diets. Public comments regarding this item are in Attachment 8. CONCLUSION: For the Plant-Based Diet General Plan Implementation Program, staff recommends that the Town take a facilitation role by making the Library available for potential plant-based education programs put on by the Advocates. Staff looks forward to Council direction as to how to move forward with the plant-based diet education Implementation Program. COORDINATION: The preparation of this report was coordinated with the Community Development Director, Library Director, and Town Attorney. FISCAL IMPACT: Discussion of this item has no fiscal impact. PAGE 3 OF 3 SUBJECT: Plant-Based Diet Education DATE: October 19, 2022 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: Council’s discussion of this item is not a project defined under the California Environmental Quality Act, and no further action is required. If the Council directs the preparation of future ordinances, environmental review will be evaluated for those specific actions. Attachments: 1. Town of Los Gatos Resolution 2019-062: Green Mondays and Expand Plant-Based Offerings 2. Mountain View 3. New York City Public Schools 4. Meatless Procurement Policies 5. California State Facilities 6. New York State Hospital Meals 7. San Francisco Jails 8. Public Comment This Page Intentionally Left Blank RESOLUTION 2019-062 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS TO ESTABLISH GREEN MONDAY AND EXPAND PLANT -BASED FOOD OFFERINGS WHEREAS, climate change is a serious and significant issue with potentially catastrophic global impacts; and WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos adopted an objective in the General Plan 2040 Guiding Principles to identify and provide opportunities to enhance the Town's sustainability policies and practices; and WHEREAS, scientific analyses have shown that one of the most effective ways for a person to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce or eliminate their consumption of meat and dairy; and WHEREAS, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that the livestock sector contributes 14.5% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire transportation sector (cars, planes, train and ships) combined; and WHEREAS, Green Monday is a simple platform that equips organizations and individuals to introduce and institutionalize environmentally -friendly, plant -based food options at least one day per week. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Los Gatos establishes Green Monday, wherein all Town -managed meetings and events occurring on Mondays (or another day of the week) will provide either a fully plant -based offering or an attractive plant -based alternative. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council ofthe Town of Los Gatos encourages restaurants to include vegan items on their menus by providing "Green Monday approved" certificates to be displayed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Los Gatos encourages the Library and Town Hall to display Green Monday posters and literature and host a Green Monday program at the Library as appropriate. Iof2 Resolution 2019-062 December 17. 2019 ATTACHMENT 1 PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos, California, held on the 1711 day of December 2019 by the following vote: COUNCIL MEMBERS: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Steve Leonardis ABSTAIN: SIGNED: MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA DATE: ATTEST: TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA DATE: l0'1 p [ a 2of2 Resolution 2019-062 December 17, 2019 Select Language Powered by Translate Home About Collaborate Mountain View What Can I Do? Sustainability Planning Cool Block Zero Waste & Recycling Search Sign in Register ATTACHMENT 2 Home Plant-Based Eating    Plant-Based Eating Want to learn more about the many benets of plant-based eating? Want to support Mountain View’s amazing restaurants? The City’s sustainability team launched a plant-based eating program that will focus on promoting healthy and ethical food choices, supporting equitable access to healthy food, and spreading awareness of the positive health and environmental impacts of a plant-based diet. We will be hosting quarterly public events, featuring cooking demonstrations, lm screenings, and community speakers. Local restaurants will also be invited to promote plant-based eating » opportunities here in Mountain View. Finally, the City Council is expected to consider a resolution in support of plant-based eating by the end of the year. Looking for ways to get started? Recipes: Vegan baking recipes from Minimalist Baker Meatless Alphabet from Acterra Zero Waste Chef recipe index Veggie burger recipe from Love and Lemons 10 African inspired vegan recipes from Afro Eats Resources: Meatless Monday Green Monday Forks Over Knives beginner's guide Acterra's plant-forward eating resources Acterra's Healthy Plate, Healthy Planet fact sheet What science says about the benets of a plant-based diet (Discover, June 2020) Emissions from the livestock sector (FFAC) 10 weeks to vegan challenge & resources 10 million black vegan women movement News and Events Your Ideas Plant-Based Eating Fall Challenge Past Event: Community Garden Workshop - Sunday March 6th    15 Dec 2021 As part of our plant-based eating series, the City of Mountain View was proud to host our rst community gardening event. This in-person workshop instructed participants on how to start their own garden, no matter their gardening experience or the size of their space. Home gardens allow you to take full advantage of Mountain View’s unique climate, where you can grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs year-round! The workshop covered planting seasons, water-conscious gardening, how to make the most of your space from container pots to garden beds, and a hands-on planting activity. The event took place at the Soil & Water Garden, a learning-focused community garden at Heritage Park. Learn more about the Soil & Water Garden. Past Event: The Positive Environmental Impacts of a Plant-Based Diet    24 Sep 2021 For the third event in our plant-based eating series, Monica Chen, Executive Director of the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition, shared about the environmental impacts of our food choices. Through an engaging and informative presentation, Monica shared how to make a big difference for the environment and your own health by including more plant-based foods in your diet. The Factory Farming Awareness Coalition is an educational nonprot that contributes to the eradication of factory farming through a range of educational programs. Every year they educate and empower thousands of people about the social justice, health, and environmental impacts of our food system. You can watch a recording of the event here. Past Event: Plant-Based Eating Cooking Demonstration    24 Sep 2021 As part of our Plant-Based Eating program, the City of Mountain View hosted our rst plant-based eating cooking demonstration on September 7th. You can nd recipes from the event here. We were grateful to be joined by chef Alex Bury. Alex was trained as a classical (non-vegetarian) chef at the world- renowned Culinary Institute of America. In 2001, she opened a restaurant in California called Sparks with an entirely plant- based menu. Sparks quickly became well-known for its outstanding food, even among non-vegans. Alex is now a professional fundraiser and serves as Vice President of Development for the international organization Vegan Outreach. When she’s not raising money to change how animals are treated she jumps back into the kitchen: She has taught healthy cooking techniques and recipes at Whole Foods Market, for the McDougall Program (a nationally renowned preventative health program), and for local groups and companies since 2000. Alex is now based in Anchorage, Alaska, where she enjoys pancakes with wild Alaska blueberries and searching for the best soy cappuccino in the 49th state! Past Event: City of Mountain View x Food Empowerment Project    04 Nov 2021 Page last updated: 13 Apr 2022, 01:37 PM The City of Mountain View kicked off our new Plant-Based Eating initiative with the founder of the Food Empowerment Project, Lauren Ornelas. The Food Empowerment Project seeks to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices. They encourage healthy food choices that reect a more compassionate society by spotlighting the abuse of animals on farms, the depletion of natural resources, unfair working conditions for produce workers, and the unavailability of healthy foods in low-income areas. By making informed choices, we can prevent injustices against animals, people, and the environment. Food Empowerment Project also works to discourage negligent corporations from pushing unhealthy foods into low-income areas and empower people to make healthier choices by growing their own fruits and vegetables. In all of their work, Food Empowerment Project seeks specically to empower those with the fewest resources. You can watch a recording of the event here. STAY INFORMED Subscribe for project updates Your email address... SUBSCRIBE Terms of Use Privacy Policy Moderation Policy Accessibility Technical Support Site Map Cookie Policy 2 members of your community are following this project This Page Intentionally Left Blank Home Vegan  VEGAN KIDS VEGAN DINING NYC’s Plant-Based Mayor Initiates Vegan Fridays At All City’s Public Schools By Amy Buxton Published on Feb 7, 2022 Last updated Feb 9, 2022 3 Mins Read Photo by Eric Adams' campaign. ATTACHMENT 3 History was made last week in New York. For the first time, all public schools will be required to serve only vegan food in their cafeterias once a week. The move follows the successful implementation of Meatless Mondays and Fridays throughout the district. Vegan Fridays will be a permanent change to school menus designed to expose the 930,000 public school children to healthy meals. The plant-based protocol was brought in by Mayor Eric Adams, fresh after being sworn in last month. A vegan himself, the official has pledged to work with the Department for Education (DOE) to make schools healthier. Menus will be available to view on the DOE website a month in advance. Adams credits his own veganism with reversing his diabetes diagnosis. Photo by Katerina Holmes from Pexels. Building on a good foundation Vegan meals have already been available to New York students. Milk is still required by law to be served with all meals. Children can choose to not drink it, but the USDA has made its availability compulsory. The same applies to Vegan Fridays. “DOE is committed to the health and well-being of all children, and it is imperative to have a consistent nutrition and full diet every day to enable students to succeed both in and out of the classroom,” Associated Press secretary-general, Jenna Lyle, said in a statement. “We are pleased that New York students will be able to expand their healthy and nutritious dietary options by gradually introducing a vegan-focused menu on Friday following the success of Meatless Monday and Friday.” Lyle added that “Menu items other than vegan are available upon request.” NY schools’ Meatless Mondays were initiated in 2019. They provided a good infrastructure base for adding Vegan Fridays into the mix and removing all animal products. “Plant-based options at school mean a healthy diet and a healthy life, and improve the quality of life for thousands of students in New York City,” Adams said in a statement. “All students have access to healthy foods that prevent debilitating health. I’m excited to see that I can do it. “ Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva from Pexels. Teaching the younger generations As parents become less wary about plant-based nutrition and increasingly health orientated, eating meat-free at home is becoming more widespread. However, when implementing change in schools, there can be backlash. kids food school lunches vegan food When the Mayor of Lyon, France, decided to take meat off the menu of all the schools under his purview, both the French government and public described the move as an outrage. It was cited as an insult to French farmers and butchers and parents joined the outcry as well. The public anger did not sway Mayor Doucet, who stuck to his initiative, which he cited as being entirely driven by health concerns.  France has a contentious relationship with meat alternatives. Last year it was reported that the government made its feelings known about cultivated meat, with declarations that it was not natural and would never be served in schools.  The U.K. appears to be fairing a little better. It has just seen the first launch of the first Plant Based School Kitchen partnership. It came about after the headteacher of the school in question decided to switch up the menu to reflect planetary health, as well as solid nutrition for all students. Lead Photo by the Eric Adams Campaign. Amy Buxton 443 Posts A long-term committed ethical vegan and Green Queen's resident plant-based reporter, Amy juggles raising a family and maintaining her editorial career, while also campaigning for increased mental health awareness in the professional world. Known for her love of searing honesty, in addition to recipe developing, animal welfare and (often lacklustre) attempts at handicrafts, she’s hands-on and guided by her veganism in all aspects of life. She’s also extremely proud to be raising a next-generation vegan baby. - Copyright Ekowarehouse Limited 2022. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms Of Use. This Page Intentionally Left Blank MEATLESS CITIES A Workshop on How Cities Can Help Lead the Transition to a Plant-Forward Food System Session 3 Procurement Policies June 16, 2021 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM 1 POLICY OPTIONS Numerous cities have adopted policies to reduce the amount of meat products that they purchase, as well as pushed for facilities to explore and provide alternative, plant-based offerings. Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP). The GFPP is aimed at changing the way public institutions purchase food, including by incorporating animal welfare and environmental sustainability standards into their procurement policies. A number of cities have pledged to adhere to the GFPP, including Berkeley (CA), Los Angeles (CA), Oakland (CA), San Francisco (CA), Washington, DC, Chicago (IL), Boston (MA), Cincinnati (OH), and Austin (TX), in addition to numerous institutions within these cities. Though the program is voluntary, participating cities have collectively shifted millions of dollars towards suppliers aligned with the program’s values. Procurement Commitments. Various cities have adopted commitments to reduce the amount of animal- based food products they purchase. For example: •Berkeley (CA) was the first city to adopt a progressive new food purchasing policy committing to replace 50% of the city’s animal-based food purchasing with plant-based alternatives (Vision 2025 for Sustainable Food Policies). •New York (NY) has committed to reducing the city’s beef purchases by 50% and phasing out all purchase of processed meat by 2030 (NYC Green New Deal). •San Francisco (CA) passed a resolution committing to reduce purchases of animal products in jails by 50% in 2024 and in hospitals by 15% in 2023. Meatless Mondays. School districts in several cities have adopted Meatless Mondays, including Baltimore City Public Schools (MD), Buffalo Public School District (NY), and New York City Public Schools (NY). Vegetarian & Vegan Food Options. Various cities have pushed for greater availability of plant-based food options. For example: •The school districts in Berkeley (CA) and New York (NY) now offer plant-based option at every meal, and four schools in New York (NY) are fully vegetarian. •Berkeley (CA) also requires vegan-only food to be served at city events and meetings on Mondays. •Looking beyond city facilities, Los Angeles has introduced legislation that would require entertainment and travel venues to put at least one vegan dish on their menus. Notably, states appear to be responding positively to these local procurement initiatives with plant- forward policies of their own. In 2018, California passed a law requiring hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and other state facilities to provide at least one vegan meal option. In 2019, New York State passed similar legislation requiring hospitals to make plant-based meals and snacks available to patients and to list the vegan options on all written materials and menus. ATTACHMENT 4 MEATLESS CITIES: A Workshop on How Cities Can Help Lead the Transition to a Plant-Forward Food System Session 3 Procurement Policies 2 POTENTIAL CHALLENGES Despite potential political opposition, none of the above-mentioned examples of procurement policies enacted by cities appear to have been challenged in the courts as unlawful. However, the source of procurement funding could pose legal challenges. Food purchased by local agencies using federal dollars must follow federal procurement guidelines, and food purchased using state funds must follow state procurement guidelines. To the extent that cities are relying on state or federal funding to purchase food, these guidelines could potentially limit their ability to reduce their procurement of animal-based food products. Moreover, geographically preferential laws have been challenged under the Dormant Commerce Clause on the basis that they discriminate against commerce from other states. If procurement policies favoring plant-based products over meat products were implemented, parties in states that rely heavily on the meat industry might bring these challenges. QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION 1. How effective are procurement policies in helping cities reduce their consumption of meat? Can they be effective in influencing consumer behavior? 2. How might procurement policies be designed to overcome or otherwise minimize the risk of potential legal challenges? 3. City policies aimed at reducing the procurement of animal-based food appear to have been largely focused on city facilities. To what extent can cities require non-public institutions and businesses to reduce their procurement of meat and other animal-based foods or otherwise require them to offer plant-based options? What challenges would cities face? 4. What are the political challenges to changes in procurement policies? How might political opposition to procurement policies be overcome? December 10, 2018I Animal Law Update California Enacts Law Requiring Plant-Based Options in State Facilities By Nicole Pallotta, Academic Outreach Manager n September 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1138 , a law that makes California the first state in the nation to require prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, and other state-operated facilities to offer plant-based meals. The law defines plant-based meals as “entire meals that contain no animal products or byproducts, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs.” Menu ATTACHMENT 5 According to Senator Nancy Brown , the bill’s author, “Americans have shown a growing interest in low-meat and no-meat diets… But people who are confined to prisons, hospitals or other healthcare facilities aren’t always given the opportunity to choose non-meat options.” In addition to the importance of access to plant-based meals for individuals in these facilities, “offering plant-based options in these institutions gives California a chance to further its climate protection and water conservation goals.” The Los Angeles City Council is also considering legislation that, if approved, would require all movie theaters and large-scale entertainment venues that sell food to provide at least one vegan protein entrée option on their menus. This law would include concessions at city-operated venues, parks, the Los Angeles Zoo, Meals on Wheels programs, and Los Angeles International Airport restaurants. Councilman Paul Koretz, who introduced this proposal on December 5, 2018, said combating climate change is his chief motivation, and cited several studies linking the meat and dairy industries and the environment. Further Reading: ● Rosengard, David B. “ Three Hots and a Cot and a Lot of Talk’: Discussing Federal Rights-Based Avenues for Prisoner Access to Vegan Meals .” (23 Animal L. [i] (2016-2017) Donate to Protect Animals Help animals win the legal protections they so desperately need and deserve, and ensure they have an advocate in courtrooms and legislatures across the country. TAKE ACTION NOW FOCUS AREA Farmed Animals HOW WE WORK Legislation Tags:Pig Location:California RESOURCES Farmed Animals Laws that Protect Animals Animal Cruelty-Free Guide RELATED CONTENT Wins for Animals in the 2018 Midterm Election Animal Advocacy Groups and Food Law Center Urge FDA Not to Bow to Industry Pressure to Restrict Plant-Based Dairy Labels Animal Advocates Urge USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Incorporate Plant-Based Diets Animal Law Update Press Release Press Release Chicken Cow RELATED Court Strikes Down Second Iowa Ag-Gag Law Public interest coalition celebrates another win against unconstitutional statute barring undercover investigations at factory farms Short Film Released Following Three Appellate Court Decisions Concerning Ag-Gag Challenges Edie Falco narrates the Animal Legal Defense Fund film demanding transparency in factory farming Appeals Court Sends Hormel “Natural Choice” Deceptive Advertising Case to Trial D.C. Court of Appeals rules Animal Legal Defense Fund can pursue its claims March 15, 2022 Press Release September 14, 2021 Press Release September 2, 2021 Press Release Join Us. Sign up for our newsletter name@example.com SUBMIT DONATE Follow Us. Back to Top The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is rated four-stars by Charity Navigator, is a Platinum Level GuideStar Exchange participant, a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, and an Independent Charity Seal of Excellence awardee, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of accountability, efficiency, and impact. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Use page. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. Animal Legal Defense Fund, National Headquarters 525 East Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931 (707) 795-2533 | info@aldf.org To update your payment information, visit our Member Center. This Page Intentionally Left Blank Plant-Based Hospitals Meals Are Law in New York State Starting Dec. 6 ALBANY, N.Y.—New York State hospitals must make a healthful plant-based option available at every meal starting Dec. 6, following a landmark bill that was signed into law last year. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which supported the bill, is a member of a NEWS RELEASE Dec 4, 2020 OUR RESEARCH NEWS WAYS TO GIVE MENU DONATE ATTACHMENT 6 nonprot coalition that oers support, resources, and hands-on trainings to help hospital culinary teams provide more plant-based meals. Bill S1471A/A4072, introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, requires hospitals in New York to make available upon request plant-based meals and snacks containing no animal products or by-products that are nutritionally equivalent to other menu items. The bill also requires hospitals to list the plant-based options on all written materials and menus. “This law gives physicians a teachable moment to discuss with patients the power of a plant-based meal to help prevent and reverse conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity,” says Susan Levin, M.S., R.D., director of nutrition education for the Physicians Committee. Nearly 1.7 million New Yorkers have diabetes and heart disease accounts for 40 percent of all deaths in New York State, according to the New York State Department of Health. In New York State, the leading COVID-19 comorbidities are high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Research shows that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans can help ght heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. The American Medical Association has passed a Healthy Food Options in Hospitals resolution that calls on U.S. hospitals to improve the health of patients, sta, and visitors by providing plant-based meals. The American College of Cardiology made the same recommendation in Planting a Seed: Heart-Healthy Food Recommendations for Hospitals. Last year, the D.C. Council introduced the Healthy Hospitals Amendment Act of 2019, a bill that would require hospitals in Washington, D.C., to improve the nutritional quality of their menus by eliminating processed meat such as bacon and hot dogs and making plant-based options available. California passed similar legislation in 2018, which the Physicians Committee co-sponsored. The Physicians Committee’s Healthy Hospital Food web page provides quantity plant-based recipes, tips for implementing plant-based meals, and case studies of hospitals championing healthy food. To speak with Susan Levin, please contact Donna Steele at dsteele@pcrm.org or 202-527-7342. Media Contact DONNA STEELE 202-527-7342 dsteele@pcrm.org Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprot organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and eectiveness in education and research. More on Healthy Hospitals NEWS RELEASE New Study: During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Hospital Workers Improved Heart Health and Quality of Life With a Plant-Based Diet NEWS RELEASE Children’s Hospital of Georgia Has Closed Its McDonald’s Restaurant, Beneting the Health of Visitors, Sta, and Patients NEWS RELEASE Following Doctor-Led Protest and Petition, University Hospital in Newark Shuts Prevention starts today. Join the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart. 21-Day Kickstart Food for Life classes teach you how to improve your health with a plant-based diet. Find a Class Ethical Science Our Research News g ,y p Down Burger King Join the Kickstart Get Healthy With Good Nutrition Get Updates karenr@phc.net Sign Up Take Action About Us Events Shop Contact Media Center Barnard Medical Center Careers Recursos en Español ©2022 Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine PCRM is a 501(c)(3) nonprot organization. Tax ID 52-1394893 Privacy Policy Terms of Use San Francisco Jails to Cut 50% of Meat Purchase by 2024 In a push to reduce the consumption of meat products, as well as dairy and eggs, city jails within San Francisco are required to slash their intake of these items by 50% over the next three years. In a vote passed by the Board of Supervisors, the statute was subsequently passed into law by Mayor London Breed. Further stipulations include that consumption of meat must be reduced from its current rate in public hospitals – such as Laguna Honda and Zuckerberg General – by 15% within two years, by the year 2023. The desire for a more substantial plant-based diet within San Francisco’s penal institutions is driven by the adverse ecological effects of rearing animals for human consumption, and its consequent impact on climate change. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, animal livestock is responsible for almost 15% of global greenhouse emissions. The initiative stems from pressure placed against the city of San Francisco from environmentalists who feel the city’s wealth – indeed, as one of the richest metropolitan areas on the planet, thanks to its being the headquarters of Microsoft, Google, Gap clothing (and Buffalo Market!) – could surely be utilized in supporting such a cause. This new law, heralded as the first of its kind, is one part of a wider push toward meat-free meals in federal institutions across the US. In Arizona, for instance, the announcement was made that prisons in the state would implement vegan meal options as replacements for halal and Kosher cuisine. In an announcement issued by David Shinn, the state’s Department of Corrections director, the vegan meals would satisfy dietary requirements of all religions practiced by prison inmates. The Common Fare Meal plan, under which these meals will be provided, aims to cater for every religious need when it comes to the nutritional content of its inmates’ food. This scheme is available to all other prisoners as well, provided they make it known with 30 days’ notice that they wish to move to a more substantially plant-based diet. Benefits of a plant-based diet ATTACHMENT 7 The leading impetus behind the move away from animal livestock and dairy products in San Francisco is saving on land usage, as well as reducing permanent soil damage and desertification. With a reported quarter of all global emissions being the result of food production, it is strongly believed that reduced consumption of animal livestock could have significant effects in lowering the risks of climate change.   Principally through the land clearance required to rear the animals eaten by humans, the impacts on our climate are also produced by the methane gas expelled by cows and other livestock. Declining forest acreage, combined with an uptick in organically-produced noxious gases, limits the natural absorption of carbon dioxide enacted by trees via photosynthesis. In this process, the soil also absorbs CO and locks that carbon in, but when the land is repurposed for livestock that carbon is the released back into the atmosphere.   Thus, it is the side effects of food production specific to animal rearing which causes the accelerated rate of global warming, meaning that the major benefit of plant-based diet would be the heightened sustainability it brings with it.   The result of the higher temperatures brought on by climate change help decompose the soil at a faster rate than usual, in turn releasing a greater volume of greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere. It is only by reducing the output of methane gases, as well as removing the risk of soil disturbance caused by deforestation, that these lasting impacts can be mitigated – and even reversed.   Solutions to this problem include a program of controlled grazing, reducing the consumption of grass and root damage integral to the structure of the soil, as well as increased planting to stimulate soil fertility.   2 While in the UK there have been movements led by vegans and vegetarians to remove lamb and beef products from school dinner menus – primarily under the #NoBeef hashtag – there have been noteworthy culinary innovations made in the US, in the form of vegan burger patties not unlike their meat-based counterparts. It is on account of their iron-rich component heme that affords the vegan patties a taste similar to that of a genuine beef burger.     Mayor Breed’s Styrofoam ban The reduction of dairy and eggs consumed within San Francisco’s jails is something of a follow-up to earlier legislative action passed by Mayor Breed, when she was then President of the city’s Board of Supervisors. In 2016, a ban on Styrofoam packaging was imposed to reduce usage of non-recyclable materials, with Breed as its campaign spearhead. Fittingly, Styrofoam is commonly used in the manufacture of egg cartons, among other things like packing peanuts and disposable coffee cups.   Such was her devotion to cutting back on the distribution of animal products in this environmentally unfriendly material that Breed took part in a 75-second campaign video, featuring a spirited assault on the “Styrofoam monster”. Really just a guy dressed as a food container, the monster is nevertheless defeated by Breed’s gutsy disdain for the sentient piece of packaging and the low-key chaos it causes.   It’s fair to say the campaign served its purpose, as it was not only awarded the distinction of “most creative ad campaign” by the San Francisco Chronicle, but may have had something to do with Breed’s unanimous re- election as Board of Supervisors President in 2017.   We take the headache and heartache out of stocking and restocking. Try a whole new wholesale. STAY UP TO DATE Get the scoop on new products, guidance, and more More Like This How to lower your carbon footprint With the shift toward a more sustainable diet being made on a federal level, it’s fair to say you don’t need to be a prison inmate to cut out meat from your diet. There are plenty of ways to implement more vegetables into your meal plan without losing any of the protein and nutritional value of consuming red meat. From the simplest fiber supplements to be found in , you can get a whole load more of your daily minerals and vitamins in , , and .   Moving away from a meat-based diet will not only save the planet but also encourage a more adventurous approach to cooking, as you begin to utilize more colorful ingredients in your recipes. To get the ball rolling, then, why not try our recipe for a delicious vegetarian dish that’s loaded with flavor? cannellini beans fennel strawberries bananas brussels sprouts Nasi Goreng Back to News, Blog, and Things We Love Copyright © 2022 Buffalo Market Email Address By signing up for email, I accept the and the .Privacy Policy Terms of Service About Us News Distribution Terms and Conditions COMPANY Safety at Buffalo Trade Application Rewards Program Recipes from Leading Chefs Restaurant and Ghost Kitchen News Food Distributions and CPG News This Page Intentionally Left Blank From: Sue Ann Lorig Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 7:25 PM To: Council <Council@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Thank you and Please Develop and Fund a Plant-Based Education Program Dear Town Council Members, I am a resident of Los Gatos and I thank you for including plant-based education in the General Plan. Reducing consumption of animal products and eating more plants is crucial if we are to meaningfully address the climate crisis. Although reducing consumption of fossil fuels is extremely important, reducing or eliminating the production and consumption of animal products is critical if we are to meet climate goals. Additionally, studies show that eating more plants and minimal or no animal products is best for overall health and longevity. Also of importance, reducing consumption of animal products reduces the pervasive cruelty and misery found in industrial animal agriculture. Please make it a priority to develop and fund a meaningful plant-based education program. I’m keeping this email brief, but please let me know if you would like more information, including articles, studies, and other resources. Sincerely, Sue Ann Lorig Los Gatos, CA From: Sue Shoff Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2022 3:09 PM To: Council <Council@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Plant-Based Education Dear Town Council members,My name is Susan Shoff and I am a resident of Los Gatos. I have lived here for 39 years.I want to thank you so much for including a Plant-Based Education Program in the 2040 General Plan. I understand that you'll be discussing this topic at the Nov. 1st town council meeting. I’d like to express my support for the development of a program to educate residents on the hows and whys of plant-based eating. I’d like to see items like plant-based cooking classes, speaker series, cooking contests, a Vegfest, and a community council to address climate change. Sincerely, Susan Shoff ATTACHMENT 8