To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Report on Healthy Retail and Options at the Point of Sale
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ACCEPT a report from Contra Costa Health (CCH) with updates on CCH staff activities related to retailer survey and development of an ordinance that promotes the placement of healthy food options at the point of sale in certain stores, since the last report at the November 5, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting; and
INTRODUCE Ordinance No. 2025-04, requiring large retail stores, over 2,000 square feet, within unincorporated Contra Costa County to stock healthy foods and beverages in checkout areas, WAIVE reading, and FIX October 7, 2025, for adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fees for inspections will be covered by the permit fees for the subject retailers, resulting in no impact to the County's general fund. Potential fiscal impact could include re-inspection fees applied by Contra Costa Environmental Health for retailers who violate the ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children's and adults' consumption of added sugar and sodium has increased the population's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. Grocery and convenience stores are the top sources of foods and beverages, and they generally stock snacks high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars in their checkout areas. Studies have shown an association between living in a neighborhood near healthy food options and better dietary quality, higher fruit/vegetable intake, and a lower risk of having a higher body weight, even after controlling for individual-level characteristics. Accordingly, changing the retail environment to include more nutritious food and beverage standards at the points of sale can contribute to better health and well-being of children and families in Contra Costa ...
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