Local Green Economy: Food and Services Procurement
Issue: Ensuring a Sustainable Future
Target Level of Office: Local
Policy Origin: Macomb County Board of Commissioners, Michigan
Link: www.YEONetwork.org/2013policy/?i=218
YEO Co-Sponsor:
Commissioner Toni Moceri
Summary Narrative of the Policy: This ordinance is intended to initiate a food procurement
policy giving preference to any vendors that may source from local producers and/or producers
that practice sustainable farming practices.
Relevant Talking Points & Important Information:
• Macomb County adopted this procurement policy in recognition of the fact that locally
sourced foods tend to be fresher and contain less preservatives due to shorter time
between market and consumer, while reducing environmental impact of shipping and
refrigeration, preserving open space, and increasing food security in Macomb County.
Locally and sustainably sourced food keeps a greater percentage of the food dollar within
the local and regional economies.
• Purchasing local products reduces the region’s environmental footprint by reducing the
distance that goods travel from factories and farms.
• By focusing on local products, the county government can strengthen the regional
economy and serve as an example to local municipalities who can implement similar
policies that support local producers and local-food purchasers.
42
Local Level
Policy
2014 Book