Congress steps into USDA’s traditional role on child nutrition standards

RE: Inclusion of food safety and nutrition priorities in the FY2027 Executive Budget

New Yorkers are facing growing challenges in accessing safe, affordable, and healthy food. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a longstanding consumer advocacy organization advancing evidence-based food and public health policy, respectfully urges you to include a targeted package of low-cost, high-impact food safety and nutrition reforms in the FY2027 Executive Budget. These reforms will make foods served through the Universal School Meals Program safer, help protect New Yorkers from harmful ultra-processed foods, and ensure that industry bears the primary responsibility for food safety and transparency. View the resource below to read the memo.

Memorandum in support of A8707/S3214

The Center for Science in the Public Interest requests your support and co-sponsorship of A8707/S3214, introduced by Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles and Senator Brian Kavanagh. This legislation would prohibit the use of seven synthetic dyes in foods served in New York Public Schools — chemicals shown to affect behavior and attention in certain children, with consequences for learning. View the resource below to read the memo.

Sign-on letter in support of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Act

NANA Hill Day & Briefing shines a spotlight on school meals

Government food purchasing and service: Implementing best practices

Kennedy, Rollins urged to uphold DGAC recommendations

Sign-on letter to Secretaries Kennedy and Rollins urging them to follow the science in the final Dietary Guidelines for Americans

As organizations committed to improving public health and reducing the burden of chronic disease in the United States, we write to urge you to adopt and uphold the science-based recommendations of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee as you finalize the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The DGAC’s recommendations reflect the best available evidence and are critical to achieving your stated goals of promoting health, preventing chronic disease, and restoring public trust in our food system. View the resource below to keep reading.

CSPI's comments on the USDA's Request for Information (RFI)

The Center for Science in the Public Interest submits these comments in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Request for Information: Grain-Based Desserts and High-Protein Yogurt Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs. CSPI has worked since 1971 to improve the public’s health through better nutrition and safer food. We are an independent, nonprofit consumer education and advocacy organization and a longstanding advocate for healthier school foods. We convene the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, the nation’s largest nutrition advocacy coalition, which successfully advocated for updating the science-based nutrition standards following the passage of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. CSPI appreciates the USDA’s commitment to supporting school food authorities in aligning meals served with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. View the resource below to keep reading.

Good Food Purchasing Law: Enabling State Institutions to Engage in Values-Based Food Procurement

This two-pager describes what the Illinois Good Food Purchasing Law would do, why it is needed, and the anticipated equity impact.