School cafeterias are targeting ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods could soon be taken off the menu at school cafeterias across the US, with a growing number of states moving to restrict the products over concerns about children's health.

Legislatures in California and Arizona have already passed laws targeting certain ultra-processed foods, including those containing industrial ingredients like artificial colors, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers.

More broadly, lawmakers in at least 32 states have introduced legislation to limit or eliminate ultra-processed foods from school meals, according to nonprofit Healthy Eating Research.

An unusual pairing: The push has attracted rare bipartisan support, bringing together conservatives in the Make America Healthy Again movement and progressives who share concerns about food safety and children's health.

But changing the menu won't be a piece of cake

Many schools rely on prepackaged meals—some ~70% of which are ultra-processed—because they're cheaper and easier to prepare. Switching to fresh ingredients could require larger budgets, upgraded kitchens, and additional staff training, costing some districts millions of dollars in extra infrastructure funds.

Looking ahead…California’s law calls for all ultra-processed foods to be banned from public schools in the country’s most populous state by July 2029.