The Los Angeles school board voted Tuesday to implement a variety of food policy reforms to ensure the department's $100 million annual spending is used to enforce the board’s agenda
, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The comprehensive policy reforms will emphasize localized purchases that support workers' rights, organic and sustainable farming, and animal welfare.
“Where and how we grow, purchase, process and prepare our food matters," explained board member Steve Zimmer.
“Today we begin to improve our role and footprint along the food chain," Zimmer added.
The policy, which exceeds both state and federal guidelines by including fresh produce, also bans the sale of chocolate and flavored milk in the school system.
According to board President Monica Garcia, “With 80 percent of our students depending on us for a meal, it is our responsibility to provide them with the energy and nourishment they need to excel in the classroom.”
The new Good Food Purchasing Policy, Garcia added, is a response to the "community's call for food justice, ensuring that healthy food is accessible to each and every student while supporting local businesses."
© 2013 Newsmax. All rights reserved.