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 LEGI...
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