A procurement-based pathway for promoting public health: innovative purchasing approaches for state and local government agencies

J Public Health Policy. 2013 Nov;34(4):528-37. doi: 10.1057/jphp.2013.30. Epub 2013 Jun 27.

Abstract

Through their purchasing powers, government agencies can play a critical role in leveraging markets to create healthier foods. In the United States, state and local governments are implementing creative approaches to procuring healthier foods, moving beyond the traditional regulatory relationship between government and vendors. They are forging new partnerships between government, non-profits, and researchers to increase healthier purchasing. On the basis of case examples, this article proposes a pathway in which state and local government agencies can use the procurement cycle to improve healthy eating.

MeSH terms

  • Diet*
  • Food Supply / economics*
  • Government Agencies / organization & administration*
  • Group Purchasing / organization & administration*
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Local Government
  • Public Health*
  • Public Policy*
  • United States