RESOLUTION NO. __________, SERIES 2026
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A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE PLANT BASED TREATY AND SUPPORTING INCREASED ACCESS TO, AND EDUCATION ABOUT, PLANT-BASED FOOD OPTIONS IN LOUISVILLE.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER MCCRANEY
WHEREAS, according to Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Division of Population Health’s Health Equity Report data, heart disease and cancer are among the leading causes of death for Louisville Metro residents, and average life expectancy is 73.2 years, ranging from 61.92 years in parts of the West Louisville to 80.41 years in parts of the East Louisville; and
WHEREAS, Kentucky has high rates of cancer incidence and mortality, and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies processed meat as carcinogenic and red meat as probably carcinogenic based on their association with colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, Senate Joint Resolution 23 of the 2026 Regular Session declared Kentucky a “Food is Medicine” state, recognized that 40.4 percent of Kentucky adults have at least one chronic disease at an annual cost exceeding $29.4 billion, and directed state agencies to advance nutrition-based interventions, including community supported agriculture and produce prescription programs; and
WHEREAS, the Louisville Metro Council (“Council”) supports efforts to reduce hunger, chronic disease, preventable hospitalization, and premature death; and
WHEREAS, more than 75 cities and towns have endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, which is organized around the principles of Redirect, Relinquish, and Restore and supports plant-based food systems as part of climate and public-health initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro has an active plant-based community, including Plant Based Treaty Louisville, Veg Kentucky’s Louisville Veg Fest, Esselstyn Program Advocates, and residents, businesses, and organizations working to expand access to nutritious plant-based foods;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (“COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Council hereby endorses the Plant Based Treaty and joins cities and communities around the world in supporting a transition toward healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable food systems.
SECTION II: The Council encourages Metro Government to incorporate, where appropriate and feasible, plant-based food access, sustainable food procurement, and food-system education into existing public health, sustainability, food-access, and community initiatives.
SECTION III: The Council further encourages the Kentucky General Assembly to build upon the Food is Medicine framework established by Senate Joint Resolution 23 by expanding evidence-based nutrition interventions and including nutritious plant-based foods among the tools available to address chronic disease and food insecurity.
SECTION IV: The Council encourages Metro Government to increase the availability of nutritious plant-based food options in publicly supported settings, where appropriate and feasible, including by:
(A) Encouraging Metro Government departments to include one or more plant-based entrées and plant-based milk options at city-sponsored meetings, events, and functions where food is served;
(B) Encouraging organizers of city-permitted events at which food is served to make available at least one clearly identified, substantive plant-based meal option;
(C) Encouraging Metro Government departments and agencies to consider plant-based and locally sourced foods when making appropriate food procurement and catering decisions, consistent with applicable purchasing requirements and the needs of the populations served;
(D) Encouraging the exploration of public-private partnerships that expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and other nutritious plant foods, including through community supported agriculture (CSA), produce prescription programs, farmers' markets, and other food-access initiatives in underserved communities; and
(E) Encouraging community partners to consider the development and distribution of a Louisville plant-based food resource guide for residents, community organizations, and event organizers.
SECTION V: The Council supports local efforts to increase public awareness of nutritious plant-based foods and their potential health, environmental, and economic benefits, where appropriate and feasible, by:
(A) Encouraging the display of informational signage and educational materials concerning plant-based eating at city-sponsored events and community programs where food is served, particularly where nutrition, public health, food access, or sustainability are addressed;
(B) Supporting collaboration among healthcare providers, educational institutions, farmers and food producers, food distribution services, businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, faith-based organizations, plant-based advocates, and other community members who seek to increase awareness of nutritious plant-based foods and expand access to them.
SECTION VI: The Council encourages the Mayor's Office and relevant Metro Government departments to identify existing programs, policies, partnerships, and community initiatives through which the goals of this resolution may be advanced, without requiring the creation of new programs, staffing positions, or appropriations.
SECTION VII: The Council further encourages Metro Government to collaborate with community organizations, including Plant Based Treaty Louisville and other local partners, to identify voluntary, practical, and cost-effective opportunities to expand access to nutritious plant-based foods and related educational resources.
SECTION VIII: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval or otherwise as provided by law.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Sonya Harward Brent Ackerson
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
_______________________________ _____________________________
Craig Greenberg Approval Date
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: ____________________________
R-142-26 Plant Based Treaty ab 10.5.26