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This state first to tackle ultra-processed foods in school meals

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 14:56 GMT by deseret
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California Moves to Eliminate Ultra‑Processed Foods from School Lunches

In a bold effort to improve the health of the state’s children, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a sweeping ban on ultra‑processed foods in the public school lunch program. The legislation—codified as Assembly Bill 1385 (the “Healthy Kids Act”)—was ratified by voters in 2024 and takes effect on September 1, 2025. It prohibits the procurement and distribution of any food product that meets the FDA’s definition of ultra‑processed, which includes items that are heavily processed, contain added sugars, salt, or artificial ingredients, and are typically sold in pre‑packaged formats.

The decision follows a nationwide conversation about childhood obesity, diabetes, and the role school meals play in shaping lifelong eating habits. California, which already leads the country in state‑wide nutrition standards, is the first state to impose a comprehensive ban on ultra‑processed foods in schools.

What the Law Covers

Under the Healthy Kids Act, the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will collaborate to enforce new procurement guidelines that:

1. Prohibit Ultra‑Processed Items: Foods that are high in added sugars, saturated fats, sodium, or contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are banned from all school lunch menus. This includes items such as frozen pizza, packaged chips, sugary cereals, and pre‑made sandwiches with processed meats.

2. Restrict Sugary Beverages: All beverages containing added sugar—including sodas, fruit drinks, and sweetened iced tea—are removed from lunch lineups. Water, milk, and unsweetened tea remain available.

3. Expand Whole‑Food Offerings: Schools must provide at least 70 % of their lunch items as whole or minimally processed foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins. The law requires each meal to meet the Department of Agriculture’s “Healthy Meals” criteria, with added emphasis on variety and seasonal produce.

4. Set a Phased Implementation Schedule: Schools have 18 months to fully transition. The first 12 months allow pilot menus and vendor negotiations; the final six months require full compliance with the new procurement standards.

5. Create an Oversight Committee: The CDE and CDPH will form the “California School Food Health Committee,” which will monitor compliance, conduct audits, and provide technical assistance to districts that need support.

The Legislative Journey

The Healthy Kids Act was born from a collaboration between the California Teachers Association, the California Food Bank Alliance, and a coalition of parents and nutritionists. The bill was introduced in the Assembly by Rep. Maria López in early 2023 and passed both chambers in a bipartisan vote. Supporters highlighted that California’s public‑school meals are already some of the nation’s healthiest, but the addition of the ban would bring them in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Critics argued the law was overly restrictive, citing concerns about the cost of sourcing fresh produce, supply‑chain disruptions, and the potential for increased reliance on private‑school lunch vendors who might fill the void. Governor Newsom addressed these concerns by announcing a $15 million grant program for districts to upgrade kitchen facilities and train staff in menu planning.

Impact on Students and Schools

The immediate effect of the law is a shift in daily lunch menus. In a recent pilot program conducted in the San Bernardino Unified School District, students reported higher satisfaction with the new offerings. “I actually look forward to lunch now,” said 12‑year‑old Jasmine Martinez. “There’s a pizza day that isn’t a pizza; it’s a whole‑grain pizza with vegetables.”

Nutrition experts applaud the move. Dr. Anika Patel, a pediatric dietitian at the University of California, Davis, noted that “eliminating sugary drinks and processed snacks dramatically reduces students’ daily caloric intake from junk foods and encourages healthier habits that carry over into adulthood.”

However, some small, rural districts expressed anxiety about food shortages. The CDE’s oversight committee has already begun working with the state’s Agricultural Extension services to provide seed‑to‑table solutions, ensuring that even remote schools can access local produce.

Vendor Responses and Industry Implications

Large food service companies that supply school cafeterias—such as Sodexo, Compass Group, and United Food Services—have issued statements promising to align with the new regulations. They emphasize a shift toward “clean labels” and “whole‑food” product lines. Several suppliers are already redesigning their menus to incorporate locally sourced vegetables and lean meats.

Meanwhile, the snack‑food industry has called for a “re‑labeling” of products rather than a wholesale ban. “We’re working on developing healthier snack options that still meet kids’ taste preferences,” said a spokesperson for a major snack manufacturer, citing upcoming reformulations that reduce sugar and sodium.

Economic Considerations

One of the most contentious aspects of the law is its cost. Preliminary estimates by the California Center for Food Policy project an average increase of $1.25 per lunch in the first year of compliance. However, the Center also argues that the long‑term savings from reduced health care costs for obesity and diabetes could outweigh these initial expenses.

To address the financial burden, Governor Newsom’s office has earmarked a $30 million “School Food Transition Fund.” Districts that meet the compliance milestones will receive matching grants that cover kitchen upgrades, staff training, and supply‑chain modifications.

Looking Ahead

The Healthy Kids Act marks a significant milestone in California’s commitment to public health. While the initial rollout has met logistical challenges, the overarching goal is to instill healthier eating habits and reduce the prevalence of diet‑related chronic diseases among the state’s children.

The legislation also sets a precedent for other states. As of October 2025, eight states have expressed interest in adopting similar measures, citing California’s approach as a viable model. If successful, the law could herald a nationwide shift toward a school‑meal culture that prioritizes whole foods over processed convenience items.

For parents and students alike, the new regulations signal a change in the lunchroom environment—one that encourages mindful consumption and, ultimately, healthier futures. As the first cohort of students adjusts to the new menu, the eyes of policymakers across the country remain fixed on California’s experiment, hoping it proves the blueprint for healthier, more sustainable school meals nationwide.