Boston Healthy Food Policy

In March 2019, the Boston City Council enacted Boston Municipal Code §4-9, mandating that city departments and vendors adhere to Good Food Purchasing Standards (GFPS). These standards, developed by the Center for Good Food Purchasing, emphasize five core values:

• Local and Community-Based Economies
• Environmental Sustainability
• Valued Workforce
• Animal Welfare
• Community Health and Nutrition

The ordinance aims to leverage the city’s purchasing power to promote a food system that is equitable, sustainable, and health-focused. It encourages procurement practices that ensure fair prices for farmers and investments in minority and disadvantaged communities. Additionally, the policy advocates for transparency and accountability in the food procurement process, including the establishment of a Community Advisory Council to assist with implementation.

Several Black-led food organizations in Boston have been instrumental in advancing food justice and community empowerment, aligning with the values promoted by the GFPS ordinance:

Boston Farms Community Land Trust: Operating in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan, Boston Farms transforms vacant urban land into productive farms, providing Black and Brown farmers with access to land and resources to grow food for their communities. This initiative fosters economic opportunity and promotes community health.

The Food Project: Engaging youth and adults from diverse backgrounds, The Food Project focuses on sustainable agriculture and community building. Each year, they cultivate substantial amounts of food, donating a significant portion to hunger relief organizations across eastern Massachusetts, thereby addressing food insecurity in marginalized communities.

Boston Ujima Project: This organization serves as a hub for arts and cultural organizing, political education, and investment in Black-owned and cooperative businesses. By fostering community-led economic development, the Boston Ujima Project contributes to building a more equitable food system.

Analysis

Does the policy solution re-distribute power from mainstream institutions to impacted Black communities?

The ordinance seeks to redistribute economic opportunities by prioritizing vendors that invest in disadvantaged and minority communities. By awarding preference points to vendors with a history of hiring from these communities, paying living wages, and being minority- or women-owned businesses, the policy directs city funds toward entities that support economic empowerment in Black communities.

Does this policy provide more decision-making power at the hands of Black communities?

While the ordinance includes provisions for public transparency and the creation of a Community Advisory Council, it does not explicitly detail mechanisms for transferring decision-making authority to Black communities. However, the emphasis on public engagement and accountability offers avenues for these communities to influence food procurement policies and practices.

Does the policy undermine extractive economies like capitalism and restore community power around a local and regenerative economy/primary production?

By emphasizing local and community-based economies, the policy challenges traditional extractive economic models. It encourages the support of local producers and processors, particularly those operating in low-income areas and employing sustainable methods, thereby fostering a regenerative economy that benefits local communities, including Black-owned businesses.

Does the policy repair past harm and uphold civil and human rights, health, and environmental protections?

The ordinance addresses historical inequities by promoting procurement practices that support minority and disadvantaged communities, aiming to close the wealth gap and promote racial equity. By advocating for fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, and improved community health through better nutrition, the policy upholds civil and human rights and contributes to environmental protections.

Analysis developed by Natalie Rivas