Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act
The Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to tighten what schools can serve through the National School Lunch Program. Specifically, it would prohibit two broad categories: (1) ultraprocessed foods (as defined by NOVA group 4) and (2) any foods containing a list of specified additives and dyes (including potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and several food color additives such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, and Red 40). The bill’s aim is to promote healthier school meals by restricting highly processed foods and certain additives in meals served to students. The measure is introduced in the House (H.R. 2530) on April 1, 2025 by Rep. Kennedy of Utah and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. It would modify Section 9(a)(1)(A) of the NSLA to implement these prohibitions.
Key Points
- 1Title and purpose: The bill’s short title is the “Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act.” It amends the National School Lunch Act to prohibit certain foods in the school lunch program.
- 2Prohibition of ultraprocessed foods: The bill adds a prohibition on ultraprocessed foods, as defined by NOVA classification group 4.
- 3Prohibition of listed additives/dyes: It prohibits foods containing the following additives/dyes: potassium bromate; propylparaben; titanium dioxide; brominated vegetable oil; yellow dyes 5 and 6; blue dyes 1 and 2; green dye 3; red dyes 3 and 40.
- 4Scope of prohibition: Applies to foods served under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) as part of the Nutrition and other requirements for school meals.
- 5Legislative status: Introduced in the U.S. House on April 1, 2025 by Rep. Kennedy (UT) and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. No further action is specified in the text provided.