New York City Food Standards

New York City was the first major city in the country to set nutrition standards for all foods and meals purchased and served by the City. The food standards were created with the goal of improving the health of all New Yorkers served by City agencies.

The NYC Food Standards were established in 2008 and are required in all NYC government agencies. They were developed to help lower the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease for New Yorkers served by City agencies.

The Standards set guidelines for any government facility where food is served, including vending machines, meetings/events and in commissaries at correctional facilities. They apply to more than 238 million meals and snacks served each year at the city’s facilities and programs, including schools, senior centers, homeless shelters, child care centers, after school programs, correctional facilities and public hospitals.

Mandatory Standards and Implementation Guides for City Facilities and Vendors

• Download the Standards for Meals/Snack Purchased and Served