City of Kingston Announces Updated Healthy Vending Guidelines
The City of Kingston is excited to share about its updated Healthy Vending Guidelines and brand new vending machines from local food company, Ruby Mae Soul. Located in eight municipal buildings across the city, these machines will have options that are not only nourishing for the body, but also for our communities and planet. These guidelines support the City in demonstrating a commitment to the health of all community members through healthy food choices that are easy and affordable!
Highlights:
- The City’s new vending machines will be stocked with healthy snacks and drinks in 8 buildings, including 5 public buildings, such as City Hall and the Parks & Rec buildings
- The Healthy Vending Guidelines have been updated to include:
- Additional nutrition standards, such as stricter saturated fat, fiber, and protein standards; and emphasis on whole ingredients; and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
- Food Production Standards like environmental sustainability, equity, and animal welfare inspired by the Good Food Purchasing Program
- Food Packaging Standards to reduce waste and support environmental health
- 50-60% of options in each of the vending machines meet Kingston’s nutrition guidelines! This meets or exceeds our goal of 50%!
- Options that meet the nutrition standards are on average no more expensive than options that do not.
- We still have more work to do to define our Food Production Standards and Food Packaging Standards impact.
Read on to learn more!
Background
Access to nutritious, nourishing foods is a priority for the City of Kingston. Spearheaded by the Department of Health and Wellness, supported by the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, and guided by Live Well Kingston, the City of Kingston recognizes the impact of food and nutrition on the health and quality of life of the community. To support this goal, Common Council Resolution #185 of 2013 was adopted establishing the first Healthy Vending and Healthy Meeting Guidelines.
In 2023, the City saw an opportunity to update those guidelines after 10 years when it was time for the City to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new vending machine vendor. Inspired by updated nutritional science along with what is called values-based procurement most notably in the Good Food Purchasing Standards, these new Healthy Vending Guidelines are more robust and inclusive in their standards.
From the RFP process, the City went into contract with a local food company, Ruby Mae Soul. You may recognize that name from their previous restaurant on Broadway in the Rondout, Ruby Mae was interested in supporting the health and nourishment of the Kingston community through these vending machines across the city. Taking on a proactive role in meeting with representatives from each building, Ruby Mae worked closely with the Project Manager to develop a product list that not only kept old favorites, but also introduced fun new options that adhered to the Healthy Vending Guidelines.
Below is an overview of what these new guidelines are. Click here to view the Healthy Vending Guidelines in their entirety.
Nutrition Standards
At least 50% of the slots in each vending machine must be a product that meets the following standards (click image to enlarge).
Food Production Standards
Food not only impacts our bodies and health, but also has a large impact on our food system, the health of our planet, and equity in our communities. In order to support a more regenerative, equitable, resilient food system, the City prioritizes values-based food production standards. These include (click image to enlarge):
Food Packaging Standards
In alignment with the City of Kingston’s environmental goals and values as a Climate Smart Community as well as goals set forth in the 2010 Climate Action Plan and Climate Action Plan 2030, which include making the food system more resilient and healthy, reducing waste and increasing education around better food systems, the Healthy Vending Guidelines also include a preference for environmentally-friendly food packaging as defined by the abilities of the City’s recycling and composting partner, Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA).
What’s in Stock?
We’re pleased to announce that between 50 and 60% of each machine meets the nutrition standards! Look for delicious and nutritious products like whole grain granola bars, nuts, water, 100% fruit juice, and other options with simple, whole ingredients. Because affordability of nutritious foods is just as important as physical access, we’re proud to share that meet the options that meet the nutrition standards are on average no more expensive than the options that do not, with products ranging in price from $1 to $3.
Next, we’re looking forward to digging in to see our impact in terms of Food Production and Food Packaging Standards, which are not always as quick or simple to uncover. Stay tuned for that future update. The Center for Good Food Purchasing recommends that each of the five procurement values account for 5-15% of a city’s products, which we hope to achieve with at least 1-2 of the values beyond nutrition!
** NOTE ON PACKAGING: When you use Kingston’s new machines, make sure to actually recycle your bottles and cans! Also, keep in mind that only a few snack packages are compostable. Most of these still belong in the trash!**
To Learn More
For more information on this project, the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, or any other food or nutrition project at the City of Kingston, reach out to:
Kristin Kessler, RDN, CDN, CYT
Food & Nutrition Lead
kkessler@kingston-ny.gov
