Photo by Anokarina.

While inclusion of the so-called “yoga tax” in D.C.’s budget attracted a huge amount of attention, with critics saying it will damage public health, the bill also takes step to improve the health of people who eat food provided by the city.

The mayor’s office will develop a workplace wellness policy, which in part mandates certain standards for food purchased by city agencies. These agencies will have one year from when the budget takes effect to implement it.

The standards will be guided by the federal Health and Sustainability Guidelines for
Federal Concessions and Vending Operations. These standards call for concessions to offer whole fruit and at least one raw vegetable to be available, 100 percent whole grain bread and pasta options, and low fat milk and yogurt. At least 50 percent of foods and beverages served by most city agencies must meet this standard.

From the budget:

The standards shall consider both positive and negative contributions of nutrients,
ingredients, and foods to diets, including calories, portion size, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, sugar, and the presence of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nutrients of concern in Americans’ diets.

The standards shall apply to foods and beverages purchased or served by District
agencies, including at meetings, events, in vending machines, and through on-site vendors, with the exception of food served by the Department of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Health to persons who reside at their institutions or are in their direct custody.

These standards also do not apply to school children.