October 2025 Case Study: Public Food Procurement for Healthy and Sustainable Diets

October is known for Halloween, a season of costumes, community, and, of course, candy. Shelves overflow with brightly wrapped sweets, a symbol of abundance and celebration. Yet this moment of indulgence offers a timely reminder of how our food choices, from snacks to school meals, shape public health and the planet.

While occasional treats bring joy, the growing prevalence of ultra-processed, high-sugar foods reveals a deeper imbalance in our food systems. At the same time, millions still struggle to access nutritious, affordable meals. This captures the essence of SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which is not only about ending hunger but also about ensuring healthy and sustainable diets for all.

This October, as candy fills our homes and celebrations, let’s remember that balance is the real treat. We invite you to read this article of the World Wildlife Fund's Food Forward NDC and learn more about how public food procurement can shape healthy and sustainable diets, helping governments turn everyday meals into drivers of nutrition, inclusion, and sustainability: https://foodforwardndcs.panda.org/food-consumption/integrate-healthy-and-sustainable-diets-in-public-procurement/