AISD becomes first school district in state to commit to sustainable food guidelines

The Austin Independent School District has become the first school district in Texas to commit to buying food that is healthy, equitable and sustainably grown. In February, the district adopted the Good Food Purchasing Program, a framework of five core food system values that include strong local economies, environmental sustainability, worker rights, animal welfare and nutrition. Anneliese Tanner, executive director of food services, said, “With the Good Food Purchasing Program we saw the potential for helping the district advance its mission of supporting the achievement of all students by expanding food access, serving healthy tasty meals, and providing learning opportunities about nutrition, cultural food-ways, and the food system.” AISD serves up to 75,000 meals a day and has a $13 million annual food budget. The program will positively impact students, staff, food vendors, farmers and other stakeholders in the system.