Arizona House approves Arizona Healthy Schools Act to ban ultra processed food in schools

The Arizona House Education Committee convened on February 4, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2164, which aims to prohibit public schools from serving or selling ultra-processed foods during the school day. The bill, now titled the Arizona Healthy Schools Act, includes an amendment that prevents third parties from selling such foods on school campuses and mandates the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to provide compliance resources on its website.

Representative Biasucci, the bill's sponsor, shared her motivation for the legislation, citing personal experiences in Europe where food regulations differ significantly from those in the United States. She highlighted concerns about harmful ingredients in American food products, particularly those linked to health issues in children, such as attention deficit disorders. Biasucci emphasized the importance of protecting children, stating, "This is our most vulnerable population. These are our children, our future leaders."

The committee discussed the implementation timeline, with Biasucci indicating that schools would have until 2027 to comply with the new regulations. This extension aims to accommodate existing vendor contracts and allow schools adequate time to adjust their food programs. The ADE will assist schools in transitioning to healthier food options, utilizing federal funds from the Try Local program, which promotes locally sourced foods.

Committee members raised questions about the scope of the bill, including whether it would apply to private and charter schools. Biasucci clarified that the legislation targets schools receiving federal funding for lunch programs, while still allowing parental choice regarding what children bring from home.

The discussion also touched on the potential challenges schools might face in meeting the new requirements, particularly regarding existing contracts with food vendors. Biasucci reassured members that the bill does not impose penalties for non-compliance, focusing instead on support and transparency for parents regarding school food practices.

The committee's deliberations reflect a growing concern over children's nutrition and the impact of processed foods on health, positioning Arizona as a potential leader in school food reform. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential voting on the bill and its amendments.