Healthy Food Choices Made A Priority in the City of St. Louis

This new priority for the City of St. Louis was established today when Mayor Slay issued Executive Order No. 58 to increase the availability of healthy eating options at City owned and operated buildings and facilities. Privately owned businesses leasing space from the City are exempt from the provisions of the Order. 

"Individuals should not be forced to compromise their healthy eating plans simply because they are in a City buildings or facilities," said Melba Moore, acting director/commissioner of health. "Also, the City of St. Louis should be leading the way in promoting and encouraging individuals to establish snacking and eating habits and Executive Order No. 58 does just that." 

"The research is clear that eating nutritious foods can reduce cardiovascular disease risk and promote wellness," said Karen Englert, Government Relations Director of the American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate. "The City of St. Louis is setting the bar high and we are proud to partner to improve the health of our community by making the healthier choice the easier choice." 

The Order addresses a major concern of selecting healthier options, the potential for increased cost of the product. To ensure healthy food and beverage choices are affordable, food and beverages which meet food and nutrition standards must be priced at least 20% less per ounce that the per ounce price of any other food sold through the same means that doesn't meet the food and nutrition standards. Beverage machines must also follow applicable standards when they are available. 

View Executive Order No. 58 in its entirety by visiting: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/documents/executive-order-58.cfm