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Nutrition: At Work and in City Facilities

Non-government employers and City agencies can improve workplace food environments by making healthier food and beverages available. They can also educate their staff about good nutrition and health.

The NYC Health Department encourages employers to adopt the NYC Food Standards. These standards are evidence-based nutrition criteria for all foods and beverages employers serve. We provide resources and support for healthy eating workshops that employers and City agencies can hold at their workplaces for staff and community members.

NYC Food Standards

The NYC Food Standards were established in 2008 and reaffirmed in 2022 to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, by increasing access to healthy foods and improving dietary intake.

The standards promote a just and equitable food system that supports local and regional economies while minimizing harmful environmental impact, in alignment with long-term public health goals.

There are six sets of standards that address the different settings where food is served:

NYC government agency meal programs
Food vending machines
Beverage vending machines
Meetings and events
Correctional facility commissaries
Retail cafeterias and cafes

The standards apply to over 220 million meals and snacks served each year at the city’s facilities and programs, such as at schools, older adult centers, child care centers, after school programs, correctional facilities, public hospitals and in the shelter system. They also apply to cafeterias/cafés on a voluntary basis.

Standards and Implementation Guides for City Facilities and Vendors

Meals/Snacks Purchased and Served Standards (PDF)

Implementation Guide for Meals/Snacks Purchased and Served (PDF)

Meetings and Events Standards (PDF)

Implementation Guide for Meeting and Event Standards (PDF)
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Beverage Vending Machines Standards (PDF)

Implementation Guide for Beverage Vending Machine Standards (PDF)

Food Vending Machines Standards (PDF)

Implementation Guide for Food Vending Machine Standards (PDF)

Commissary Standards (PDF)

Voluntary Adoption of the Standards

The Health Department encourages private businesses and community- and faith-based organizations to adopt any of the sets of standards above and use the corresponding tools. Additionally, cafeteria and café owners can use the voluntary standards and implementation guide below.