Model state school foods bill 2026

This comprehensive, evidenced-based bill addresses systemic challenges in improving the quality of school meals. It includes provisions to:

• Increase the quantity of minimally processed foods served in schools;
• Improve access to free school meals;
• Eliminate unsafe food additives;
• Protect students from food marketing;
• Provide funding for kitchen infrastructure and staff technical assistance; and
• Ensure that students have adequate time to eat breakfast and lunch.

This model bill would ensure that all students have access to healthy foods at school and that school nutrition professionals have the resources they need to serve scratch-cooked meals and increase use of fresh and minimally processed foods.