Table 2.
Comparison of healthy nutrition standards and other recommended practices in food procurement implemented across 3 institutional settings in Los Angeles County, 2010–2012
| Category | Public School District (Los Angeles Unified School District) | County Government (County of Los Angeles)1 | Municipalities (targeted/selected cities in Los Angeles County)2 |
| Nutrition standards for meals, entrées, and other food items | The following meals (by grade category) must meet recommended school nutrition standards3: | The following food categories must meet recommended nutrition standards6: | The following food categories must meet recommended nutrition standards: |
| • Elementary4 breakfast | • Main dish/entrées | • Entrées7 | |
| • Elementary4 lunch | • Side items | ||
| • Secondary5 breakfast | • Combination meals | ||
| • Secondary5 lunch | • Condiments | ||
| Snack and beverage nutrition standards | All snacks and beverages sold must follow nutrition standards that are aligned with district, state, and federal guidelines | All snacks and beverages sold must follow Los Angeles County DPH8 recommended nutrition standards and practices (including those for vending machines) | Select snacks and/or beverages sold must meet nutrition standards approved by each city council (standards vary by city) |
| Other recommended practices | The district adopted other recommended practices including, but limited to, the following: | Select departments with DPH reviewed food service and vending contracts were asked to integrate the following practices: | Cities were recommended to integrate healthy food procurement practices and other wellness activities, including9: |
| • Purchasing of locally grown foods. | • Menu labeling | • Dissemination of information on healthier foods and beverages to staff and facility participants | |
| • Increasing variety, visibility, and accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables | • Purchasing of locally grown foods | • Training to ensure staff comprehension and compliance with adopted standards | |
| • Providing vegetarian options | • Signage and product placement that promotes healthy food and beverage options | • Promotion of citywide employee wellness programs | |
| • Eliminating added trans fat | • Price incentives to encourage consumption of healthier food items | ||
| • Broadening nutrition education and disseminating nutrition education materials | • Gradual sodium reduction plan | ||
| • Creation of stakeholder committee to coordinate efforts to increase participation in the school meal program | • Fountain drink size restrictions |
Standards specific to County of Los Angeles hospital and workplace cafeterias (i.e., does not include standards for distributive meal programs).
Cities include those that participate in the local obesity prevention and health promotion initiatives: Baldwin Park, Bell Gardens, El Monte, Huntington Park, La Puente, Long Beach, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, San Fernando, and South El Monte.
To meet or exceed nutrition standards from the October 2009 Institute Medicine (IOM) report, School Meals: Building Blocks for Healthy Children (34).
Grades K–5 (elementary school).
Grades 6–8 (middle school) and 9–12 (high school).
These standards are for food sold by cafeterias and concession services on government property.
Entrées include those sold in vending machines.
DPH, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Standards vary; present only in some of the targeted/selected cities.