STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City is implementing stricter food standards across 11 city agencies, affecting approximately 219 million meals and snacks served annually to schoolchildren, older adults and hospital patients. The updated standards, announced by the NYC Health Department and Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, will take effect July 1, 2026.
The new guidelines expand restrictions on low- and no-calorie sweeteners to all age groups, moving beyond the previous limitation that only applied to those 18 and younger. They also introduce first-time bans on artificial colors and certain flour additives while eliminating all processed meats from city-provided meals.
With bans on processed meats and artificial additives, plus stronger plant-based requirements, the city is using its massive food purchasing power to drive public health change.Pamela Silvestri
“I often say, when it comes to your health, it’s not just what is in your DNA, it’s also what is in your dinner,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who shared his personal journey from being pre-diabetic to adopting a plant-based diet.
The standards will increase requirements for serving whole and minimally processed plant proteins and strengthen nutritional requirements for snacks. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said the changes aim to increase life expectancy by targeting chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
These updates build upon nearly two decades of food standards in New York City, with previous revisions made in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2022. The standards now affect various city institutions, including public schools, correctional facilities, homeless services, and public hospitals.
“The updated NYC Food Standards are a bold step forward in using institutional food purchasing as a tool for public health,” said Nevin Cohen, Ph.D., Director for the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, noting the potential impact on diet-related chronic diseases affecting vulnerable populations.
The city also maintains several complementary food initiatives, including Health Bucks, which provides matching dollars for SNAP benefits used at farmers markets like the Greenmarkets, and Shop Healthy NYC, which works to increase access to affordable, healthy food options in underserved neighborhoods.
Here is a summary of nutrition incentive and food access programs with links to more information on each:
- Health Bucks: SNAP users earn $2 in coupons for every $2 spent at NYC farmers markets, up to $10/day. Community groups and elected officials also distribute them.
- Get the Good Stuff: SNAP users get a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $10/day) on eligible produce and beans at 24 participating supermarkets.
- Groceries to Go: Participants receive credits for online grocery shopping via Mercato, with a 50% discount on fresh produce. To enroll in Groceries to Go, you must be a resident of NYC, a member of Health + Hospitals NYC Care and meet other eligibility criteria. As per NYC.gov, you might be eligible to join a waiting list by calling 347-665-0175 or filling out the Groceries to Go Interest Form.
These are nutrition education programs for all New Yorkers:
- The Stellar Farmers Markets Program: Free seasonal nutrition workshops and cooking demos at select farmers markets.
- Eat Well Play Hard in Child Care Settings: Supports healthy eating in childcare centers through workshops and staff training.
For food retail support, here is help for access at grocery stores:
- Shop Healthy NYC: While not available on Staten Island or in Queens, the program improves access to affordable, healthy food in neighborhoods facing food insecurity and diet-related health issues.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.