Ms Natalie Wright, on behalf of the New York City Mayors Office of Food Policy, has participated in the SOFA call via the AI-based application. She is kindly sharing her submission with other participants.
"question": "Have you had the chance to review any materials related to SOFA 2023? Considering that SOFA 2024 aims to delve into the application of true cost accounting (TCA) through case studies, with the aim of advancing agrifood systems toward sustainability, do you have any recommendations to enrich the upcoming report?",
"answer": "Having thoroughly reviewed materials related to SOFA 2023, we are poised to contribute valuable insights to the upcoming SOFA 2024 report, which focuses on the application of True Cost Accounting (TCA) through case studies to propel agrifood systems toward sustainability. Our recommendations center on emphasizing local economic impact, highlighting community engagement, exploring health and nutrition in urban contexts, and providing policy integration recommendations.\n\n The Total Cost of Action (TCA) approach in NYC has been intricately tailored to diverse policymaking contexts, positioning it as a strategic model for advancing sustainable agrifood systems. A key facet of this approach is the significant investment in food purchases from New York State (NYS) businesses, especially those owned by minorities and women. This deliberate emphasis underscores our commitment to socio-economic inclusivity and regional economic growth.\n\n This tailored approach is rooted in a nuanced understanding of the local context, extending beyond immediate costs to highlight broader societal benefits. For instance, the focus on compliance with NYC's food standards reveals a tailored strategy that not only addresses healthcare costs but also actively promotes public health. This holistic and locally contextualized application of TCA stands as a noteworthy model, showcasing its potential to serve as a blueprint for advancing sustainability in agrifood systems.\n\n As we look ahead to SOFA 2024, our recommendations are geared towards further enriching the discourse on TCA by emphasizing local economic impact, promoting community engagement, exploring health and nutrition aspects in urban settings, and providing policy integration insights that substantively contribute to the collective understanding of sustainable agrifood systems."
"question": "For the purpose of contributing to the content of SOFA 2024, are you aware of any relevant studies assessing hidden costs or benefits within agrifood systems? If so, could you please provide the title of the study, the author(s) and hyperlink(s) to any relevant documentation. ",
"answer": "NYC’s Good Food Purchasing highlights various hidden cost dimensions, providing a comprehensive view of the impacts of NYC's food procurement strategies. Environmental costs are highlighted through the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions (242K tons of CO2e), showcasing the ecological consequences of food purchases. The socio-economic dimension is addressed by detailing the significant investment in local businesses, especially those owned by minorities and women. Moreover, the emphasis on compliance with food standards directly targets healthcare costs, acknowledging the hidden expenses associated with chronic diseases. More on NYC's Good Food Purchasing can be found here: https://www.nyc.gov/site/foodpolicy/good-food-purchasing/good-food-purc…"
"question": "Can you provide a brief overview of the study, including a description of the agrifood system(s) or component(s) that were the focus of the assessment?",
"answer": "The case study employs a multidimensional analysis by considering environmental, socio-economic, and health aspects of hidden costs. It recognizes that hidden costs are interconnected and affect various facets of society. The emphasis on local business support simultaneously addresses socio-economic and environmental dimensions, showcasing a holistic understanding of the agrifood system's impact. The compliance with food standards underscores the intersectionality of health, social well-being, and economic considerations, contributing to a more nuanced analysis. "
"question": "Could you describe the specific hidden costs and benefits associated with the agrifood system(s) or component(s) assessed? ",
"answer": "NYC’s Good Food Purchasing highlights various hidden cost dimensions, providing a comprehensive view of the impacts of NYC's food procurement strategies. Environmental costs are highlighted through the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions (242K tons of CO2e), showcasing the ecological consequences of food purchases. The socio-economic dimension is addressed by detailing the significant investment in local businesses, especially those owned by minorities and women. Moreover, the emphasis on compliance with food standards directly targets healthcare costs, acknowledging the hidden expenses associated with chronic diseases. "
"question": "Why was the assessment necessary to uncover and address these hidden costs?",
"answer": "The assessment was crucial to unveil and address hidden costs associated with NYC's food procurement strategies for several reasons. NYC's Good Food Purchasing initiative revealed various dimensions of hidden costs, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impacts: 1) Environmental consequences: the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions (242K tons of CO2e) was a critical revelation. This information highlighted the ecological footprint of NYC's food purchases, underscoring the need to address environmental costs associated with the city's procurement strategies. This insight is invaluable for making informed decisions and implementing sustainable practices that mitigate environmental impacts. 2)Socio-economic impact: detailing the significant investment in local businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women, uncovered hidden socio-economic benefits. This information emphasizes the positive impact of procurement strategies on local economies, contributing to inclusivity and regional economic growth. Understanding these socio-economic dimensions is essential for fostering equitable and sustainable economic development. 3) Healthcare cost awareness: the emphasis on compliance with food standards directly targeted healthcare costs. By acknowledging the hidden expenses linked to chronic diseases, the assessment brought attention to the long-term health implications of food procurement choices. This insight is crucial for developing strategies that not only adhere to health standards but also contribute to overall public health, thereby reducing healthcare-related hidden costs. The assessment was necessary to bring to light the multifaceted hidden costs—environmental, socio-economic, and healthcare-related—associated with NYC's food procurement. Uncovering these dimensions is fundamental for making informed decisions, implementing sustainable practices, and fostering a holistic understanding of the broader impacts of food procurement strategies on the city and its residents."
"question": "Could you please tell us when the assessment took place and which years were considered in the analysis? ",
"answer": "In 2022, Mayor Adams signed Executive Order 8, which formally established the Good Food Purchasing (GFP) program and requires vendors to share data, including origin details, on the food and meals they supply to the City of New York. The Mayor’s Office of Food Policy (MOFP) is committed to publishing this data annually. The GFP dashboard shows city food purchasing data, and the corresponding GFP value metrics, for all participating agencies beginning in fiscal year 2019."
"question": "Can you provide a concise description of the methodology employed to uncover hidden costs and benefits?",
"answer": "The methodology employed to uncover hidden costs and benefits in NYC's Good Food Purchasing initiative involves a comprehensive and transparent approach, relying on self-reported compliance data. Key data points from FY22 illustrate the dimensions of hidden costs and benefits: Environmental costs were unveiled by disclosing greenhouse gas emissions (242K tons of CO2e) associated with NYC agencies' food purchases. This involved a meticulous assessment of the carbon footprint linked to procurement strategies; Hidden socio-economic benefits were revealed through a thorough analysis of self-reported data on food purchases. In FY22, NYC spent $122.8M on food purchases from New York State (NYS) businesses, with $11M benefiting NY minority and women-owned businesses. This data reflects a direct positive impact on local economies, particularly among underrepresented business owners; Healthcare-related hidden costs were addressed by emphasizing compliance with NYC's food standards. In FY22, compliance stood at an impressive 95%. This not only showcases a commitment to high food standards but also represents a strategic investment in providing access to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. The goal is to combat healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases, contributing to a holistic understanding of the long-term health implications of food procurement choices. By relying on self-reported compliance data and integrating key financial and environmental metrics, the methodology ensures transparency and a robust evaluation of hidden costs and benefits associated with NYC's food procurement strategies."
"question": "Was the assessment complemented by additional methodologies, such as quantitative or qualitative policy or scenario analysis? Did these supplementary methods deliver interesting results? ",
"answer": "NYC's Good Food Purchasing initiative employed a multifaceted methodology to uncover hidden costs and benefits. The approach integrated quantitative and qualitative analyses, policy assessments, and scenario planning. Financial metrics revealed a substantial investment in local businesses ($122.8M, including $11M for minorities and women), while environmental metrics disclosed 242K tons of CO2e from food purchases. A high compliance rate of 95% with NYC's food standards quantified adherence to health standards. Socio-economic impacts were qualitatively assessed, emphasizing support for local businesses, especially those owned by minorities and women. Community engagement initiatives were evaluated for their qualitative contributions to social benefits and community empowerment. The assessment included a policy analysis, showcasing how TCA findings inform local policymaking."
"question": "Please describe the data used in the assessment, including their source and nature. Additionally, if there were challenges related to the data availability, kindly elaborate on those challenges.",
"answer": "Due to the complex nature of the City's procurement system and the broader food system the City operates in understanding precisely where our food comes from is challenging. For that reason, the data we are able to analyze does not capture the City's total food spend. However, we are continuously working with our vendors to improve data collection. "
"question": "Could you please highlight the key findings of this assessment? Were there any effective practices or methods that you found particularly valuable?",
"answer": "The case study reveals crucial insights into local business support, environmental impact, and health outcomes. It highlights effective practices in transparent reporting and a holistic assessment framework. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of hidden costs in agrifood systems and set a precedent for robust methodologies in future assessments. By providing detailed data on food purchases, including significant spending on local businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women, the case study validates the socio-economic impact of such actions. This expenditure directly contributes to local economies, emphasizing the hidden benefits of supporting regional agriculture. Additionally, the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from food purchases underscores the environmental costs associated with the agrifood system. "
"question": "What were the specific effective practices or methods that the assessment highlighted?",
"answer": "he case study emphasized the importance of transparent reporting. By providing detailed data on food purchases, including significant spending on local businesses, the assessment ensured openness and clarity. Transparent reporting is a critical practice that enhances accountability and allows stakeholders to comprehend the true impacts of agrifood systems. Additionally, the case study employed a holistic assessment framework that considered various dimensions, including local business support, environmental impact, and health outcomes. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the interconnected nature of hidden costs in agrifood systems. A holistic framework provides a more accurate representation of the system's impact on socio-economic, environmental, and health aspects. These practices contribute to a more nuanced understanding of hidden costs and serve as valuable models for future assessments in agrifood systems."
"question": "Did the assessment provide information relevant to policymakers or other stakeholders? For example, did it identify possible policy entry points to transform agrifood systems? If not, why?",
"answer": "The assessments derived from NYC's food purchasing data have played a crucial role in informing decision-makers and stakeholders. The substantial spending on local businesses indicates a deliberate effort to make purchasing decisions that positively impact the local economy. The disclosed greenhouse gas emissions contribute to informed decision-making regarding the environmental impact of food procurement. Moreover, our commitment to compliance rates with NYC's food standards indicates a strategic investment in improving public health and addressing the hidden costs associated with healthcare expenses. "
"question": "Drawing upon your experience, can you identify key factors that can facilitate or hinder the success of future similar assessments for transforming agrifood systems across different contexts?",
"answer": "Ensuring the success of future assessments for transforming agrifood systems hinges on key factors. Firstly, comprehensive and reliable data, exemplified by NYC's detailed food purchasing information, is paramount. Future assessments should prioritize establishing robust data collection mechanisms to ensure accuracy. Additionally, tailoring assessment approaches to local contexts, mirroring NYC's TCA customization, is vital for success. Understanding the unique socio-economic, environmental, and health dynamics in each region is indispensable for effective transformation. Involving diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, local businesses, and communities, fosters buy-in and ensures an inclusive decision-making process. Conversely, resistance from existing systems, businesses, or communities can impede success. Anticipating and addressing potential resistance through effective communication and showcasing transformation benefits is crucial. Ignoring or underestimating the importance of understanding the local context may hinder success, emphasizing the need for assessments to consider the unique challenges and opportunities in each region for context-specific recommendations."
"question": "Were there any significant challenges encountered during the assessment process? Can you identify strategies or approaches to overcome these challenges?",
"answer": "The challenges encountered during the assessment mirrored those related to data limitations. Given the intricate nature of the City's procurement system and the broader food landscape it operates within, obtaining a precise understanding of the food's origin proved challenging. Consequently, the data available for analysis does not encompass the entirety of the City's food expenditure. Nevertheless, ongoing efforts are underway to collaborate with vendors and enhance data collection processes for a more comprehensive assessment."
"question": "Do you have any other information or comments on the use of true cost accounting assessments to uncover the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems that haven't been covered during this interview?",
"answer": "NYC aligns with the preliminary assessment of hidden costs presented in SOFA 2023. By providing detailed data on food purchases, including significant spending on local businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women, the case study validates the socio-economic impact of such actions. This expenditure directly contributes to local economies, emphasizing the hidden benefits of supporting regional agriculture. Additionally, the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from food purchases underscores the environmental costs associated with the agrifood system. NYC's commitment to transparent reporting mirrors SOFA's emphasis on understanding the full spectrum of hidden costs, ensuring alignment with broader sustainability objectives. The findings of the case study significantly contribute to the writing process of SOFA 2024. The emphasis on local business support, environmental impact, and health outcomes provides valuable insights into the relevance and diversity of NYC's approach to hidden costs. Geographically, the case study showcases the significance of local actions in a major urban center. Sectorally, it highlights the intersections between economic, environmental, and health sectors. Methodologically, the case study's use of concrete data and compliance rates sets a precedent for robust assessment frameworks, emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting and data-driven decision-making. "
Natalie Wright