The Berkeley City Council passed a resolution earlier this week to cut by half its spending on animal-based products by 2024.
The city will start serving vegan food at public events, jails, senior centers and other city buildings as part of the effort.
The first-of-its-kind measure requires the city to offer plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds at public buildings.
The resolution does not apply to schools, which are operated by an independent school district.
Cutting meat and dairy consumption is part of the city’s efforts to fight climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, according to the resolution.
"A wealth of scientific research underscores the urgency of substantially reducing meat and dairy consumption, which accounts for more than half of all food-related GHG emissions," the meeting agenda item said.
"Berkeley’s efforts will thus generate direct benefits for community wellness, local economies, workers, farmers and the environment," said the resolution.