The move makes them the first county to sign on to the Coolfood Pledge, alongside cities like New York City, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Copenhagen, Milan, Ghent, and Greater London Authority.
Far more than a symbolic gesture, the County government’s commitment lays the foundation for institutional change. In January 2025, its Board of Supervisors passed a motion that directed County departments to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through County food purchasing, building upon actions recommended by a previous motion in February 2024. This new Board directive calls for County departments that purchase, serve, sell or distribute food to share their food purchasing data for a baseline analysis of the associated greenhouse gas emissions. It also calls on the Chief Sustainability Office and the Department of Public Health to set targets to reduce food-related emissions and to share progress towards that goal publicly.
In November 2025, the County of Los Angeles officially signed the Coolfood Pledge, making a public commitment to reducing its food-related emissions by 25% by 2030, a target that is in line with the goals of the Paris . By partnering with World Resources Institute’s Coolfood initiative, the County will provide plant-rich, sustainable meals across its hospitals, correctional facilities, employee dining, entertainment destinations and more.
“The County of Los Angeles has both a responsibility and an incredible opportunity to lead on climate action. Taking the Coolfood Pledge will help keep us on track to reduce our environmental foodprint while serving delicious, nutritious meals to County employees, visitors and others who access or depend on our County food services,” said Dr. Tony Kuo, MD, MSHS, Director of the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “This effort is the result of many partnerships and collaborations, showcasing what we can achieve when we work together.”
“When the largest county government in America commits to plant-rich menus, it sends a powerful signal that more sustainable food service isn’t just possible – it’s practical, scalable, and increasingly becoming the standard. The County of Los Angeles is paving the way and showing what’s possible when local governments step up to the plate,” said Jenny Arthur, Head of Coolfood.
“With Public Health’s updated food standards, the County of Los Angeles is taking meaningful action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving the health of our communities,” said Rita Kampalath, Chief Sustainability Officer with the Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office. “By expanding access to delicious, affordable plant-rich options across County food venues, we’re showing that climate-friendly eating can be both practical and cost-effective. As departments and vendors phase in these standards, our goal is for plant-based entrées to become a daily, welcoming choice for everyone we serve.”
The County of Los Angeles’ commitment proves that large-scale institutions can successfully commit to plant-rich menus that reduce emissions and serve delicious food. With the Coolfood Pledge providing technical support and a proven framework, there’s never been a better time to act.