New York, Create a More Humane Food System

NY S.7534/A.8580—Good Food NY

ASPCA Position: Support

Sponsors: Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes

Update—August 1, 2022: The Good Food NY bill did not advance before the 2022 New York legislative session adjourned, but we will continue our efforts to improve food procurement practices in the Empire State. We are grateful for each action you took to support farm animals and the citizens of NY, and we look forward to collaborating with you on this bill next year.

Millions of meals are served each year within New York’s schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and other public institutions. These establishments spend well over $1 billion annually on food, but current state law requires them to purchase food from the “lowest responsible bidder.” This policy forces institutions to source the cheapest option for the food they prepare and serve, making it nearly impossible to purchase animal products that meet higher welfare standards.

Fortunately, Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes introduced groundbreaking legislation (S. 7534/A. 8580) that will allow New York institutions to spend up to 10% more to source food from vendors that meet specific values-based criteria, including animal welfare.

The legislation will encourage public institutions to use the power of food procurement to improve the lives of millions of farm animals, while also supporting environmental sustainability, racial equity, fair labor practices, local economies and nutrition in the Empire State.

Thank you, New York, for all you do for animals.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Please support S.7534/A.8580 to create a more humane food system

Dear Legislator,

Message

As your constituent and a resident of New York, I write in strong support of Senate Bill 7534/Assembly Bill 8580 to create a more humane food system in New York. Under current law, our public institutions are limited to sourcing foods from the “lowest responsible bidder.” This law greatly limits the ability of our institutions to source food that aligns with New York’s values: supporting animal welfare, environmental sustainability, racial equality, fair labor practices, local economies and nutrition.

If passed, S.7534/A.8580 would enable New York institutions to spend up to 10% more to source food from vendors that meet values-based criteria. Consumers continue to demand better treatment for farm animals, and this bill gives public institutions the opportunity to lead the way in sourcing food that matches consumers’ values. In advancing this ground-breaking initiative, New York State could significantly shift the food system toward more humane practices and improve the lives of millions of farm animals.

I respectfully ask for you to cosponsor and pass this groundbreaking legislation in 2022 to create a more humane food system in New York.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my position.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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