New York, Create a More Humane Food System

NY S. 6955/A. 7264—Good Food NY

ASPCA Position: Support

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

Update—December 12, 2024: You helped this bill pass the New York Legislature earlier this year, and it was just delivered to Governor Hochul. Help this bill cross the finish line by urging her to sign it into law.

If signed into law, this important bill would 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.

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.

The Good Food New York Bill 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.

What You Can Do

Don't delay! Please use the form below to send an email urging Governor Hochul to sign this important bill into law.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Please Sign the Good Food NY Bill (S.6955) Into Law

Dear Governor Hochul,

Message

I am writing to ask you to sign the Good Food NY bill (S.6955) into law. As a New Yorker, the promise of a food system more compassionate to animals, consumers, workers and the environment is very important to me.

Currently, age-old limitations in state law regarding how local governments and schools must purchase food for those they serve make it impossible for them to support small and mid-sized farmers producing food more humanely, sustainably and fairly. This first-of-its-kind legislation will address that by allowing these entities to orient purchasing practices toward nationally recognized, values-based food procurement standards and encourage the production and consumption of food that is healthy, affordable, fair, more humane and sustainable.

With the passage of Good Food NY into law, local governments and school districts will finally have the opportunity to advance a healthier and more equitable food system, while contributing to nationwide efforts to leverage the purchasing power of food procurement for the betterment of our communities.

I respectfully urge you to sign this forward-thinking initiative. Thank you for your support and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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