To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Adopt Ordinance Requiring Large Retail Stores within Unincorporated Contra Costa County to stock healthy foods and beverages in checkout areas
?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 September 16, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting; and
ADOPT 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, which was introduced on September 16, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this ordinance. The CCH, Environmental Health Division (EHD) is fully fee supported and any enforcement actions would follow existing cost recovery procedures outlined in County Ordinance Code. Potential fiscal impact could include inspection fees applied by the EHD 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 mo...
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