Concessions and Cafeterias: Healthy Food in the Federal Workplace
Improving health and wellness in America is a major priority for the U.S. government. There’s no better place to start than at the federal workplace itself. Healthier food at federal cafeterias and concessions can have an enormous impact: better choices for the two million civilian employees of the federal government and a precedent to follow for the rest of the country.
GSA is pleased to introduce the Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations. These guidelines were developed in partnership the Department of Health and Human Services and represent the best practices in nutrition science for improving health and reducing impact to the environment. These new guidelines translate the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans into clear and definitive standards that food service operators can follow to make their operations healthier and more sustainable.
What do the new Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations do for federal concessions?
Provide healthy choices
In alignment with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Health and Sustainability Guidelines encourage the availability of:
- Seasonal vegetables and fruits.
- Whole grain options, including pasta.
- Vegetarian entrees.
- Lean meat entrees.
- Low-fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese.
- High fiber, low sugar cereals.
- 100% fruit juice.
- Freely available drinking water.
- Foods with less sodium.
- Foods free of synthetic sources of trans fats.
Enable sustainable practices
The Health and Sustainability Guidelines also encourage more sustainable food service practices, such as :
- Offering incentives for using reusable beverage containers.
- Using green cleaning and pest control practices.
- Using compostable and bio-based trays, flatware, plates and bowls.
- Offering food that is organically, locally or sustainably grown and labeled accordingly.
- Offering seafood identified as ‘Best Choices’ or ‘Good Alternatives’ on the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch List or certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (or equivalent program).
Increase choice, not restrict choice
The Guidelines are designed to make healthy choices more accessible, more appealing, and more affordable. They are not designed to restrict choices.
Applicability
The Health and Sustainability Guidelines are applicable to all food service concession operations and vending machines managed by HHS and GSA. GSA will work with concessions operators to progressively implement these guidelines federal facilities as contracts expire as opportunities to enhance offerings emerge.
Links:
Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations
Frequently Asked Questions for Concessions Operators about the Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations
GSA Wellness and Sustainability Criteria for Concessions Operations
2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Choose My Plate
Green Resources for Food Service Operators
GSA offers many resources to help vendors meet these wellness and sustainability requirements.
- Green products can be found at the “environmental aisle” of GSA Advantage!
- A full list of GSA’s environmental initiatives can be found at the Go Green page, including green products and services, recycling programs, and energy and water conservation programs.
