Board amends wellness policy to bar catering trucks and similar vendors within 1,500 feet of schools

The San Francisco Unified School District Board approved an amendment to the district wellness policy (73-13 SP2) that forbids schools from inviting outside vendors such as catering trucks or ice cream carts to sell food or drinks to students within 1,500 feet of a school's perimeter.

The policy language added under the wellness policy's food-sales section directs principals to notify their supervisory offices (school operations and instructional support) when uninvited vendors appear so staff can take steps to remove them, including contacting local police to request that a vendor's approved route not bring the vehicle within 1,500 feet of the school. The policy also prohibits schools from entering profit-sharing or other business arrangements with off-site businesses that directly compete with the school cafeteria.

Commissioner Wins noted the board's policy applies to district staff and schools and that the Board of Supervisors has already passed a city ordinance with the same 1,500-foot restriction; the superintendent and board members said adopting the district policy aligns SFUSD practice with the city's ordinance and the city's enforcement timelines.

The board conducted a roll call and recorded seven ayes, approving the wellness policy amendment. Board members thanked advocates and parent groups for pushing for stronger food policies in schools. No new enforcement procedures beyond the described notification and route request were adopted at the meeting.