Public food procurement as a policy tool : exploring local government opportunities for non-communicable disease prevention in South Africa

Abstract

This article examines public food procurement (PFP) as a policy tool, exploring the role of local government in strengthening non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention in South Africa. Against the backdrop of the NCD's burden, it unpacks legal and policy frameworks and the influence of corporate interest in food procurement, underscoring the importance of a human rights-based approach. The discussion incorporates international standards and best practices that South Africa can adopt. It examines how the Procurement Act 28 of 2024 offers opportunities to reform food procurement to align with the right to food and health, utilise public purchasing power, and prioritise sustainable development while addressing fragmentation in the procurement system. The article explores three public institutions; public health facilities, correctional service facilities, and schools, to showcase how harnessing local capacities through PFP could promote healthier food environments and reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods, thereby mitigating the NCDs burden. In doing so, it provides actionable opportunities to align public procurement with broader socio-economic policy objectives, ensure equitable resource allocation and capacity building, and implement accountability mechanisms needed to sustain food procurement systems and practices. The article positions local government as a transformative agent in shaping inclusive, equitable, and sustainable food systems in South Africa.