The New York City government has exceeded its 2030 climate goals ahead of schedule by increasing purchases of plant-based proteins and reducing meat and dairy volumes. This effort has resulted in a 36% improvement in food-related greenhouse gas emissions since 2019. The city has prioritized plant-based food policy across public institutions, leading to a 130% increase in plant-based protein purchases and a 15% decrease in animal protein volumes.

New York City's Good Food Purchasing program emphasizes values such as local economies, environmental sustainability, and nutrition in food procurement. Despite dairy being the largest expenditure, it is also the top driver of food-related emissions for the city. In response, the city has implemented plant-forward policies aiming to promote healthier diets and reduce the environmental impact of food consumption.