By John Q. Hosedrinker 
California has enacted a new law that will be the first in the nation to phase out certain ultraprocessed foods from school meals. The legislation, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, targets foods considered a “concern” based on health risks and will be determined by the Public Health Department by June 2028. Schools must begin removing these items by 2029, with a full implementation by 2035. This effort aligns with a growing movement, supported by bipartisan support, toward making school meals more nutritious and healthier for children.
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California becomes the first state to phase ultraprocessed food out of school meals, a move that’s creating quite a buzz, and for good reason. It’s a significant step towards prioritizing the health and well-being of our children, addressing a concerning trend of overly processed foods dominating school lunches. This feels like a long overdue shift, especially for those of us who recall the less-than-appetizing meals of our own school days.
The concept is straightforward, although the execution can be nuanced. Defining “ultraprocessed” is key, and California’s approach is practical. It classifies foods and beverages as such if they contain certain additives (like stabilizers, thickeners, or artificial sweeteners), and also feature high levels of saturated fat, sodium, or added sugar. It’s a pretty sensible definition that gets at the heart of what we’re trying to move away from: overly engineered foods designed more for shelf life and profit than for actual nutrition.
Considering that, some everyday items will fall into this category. Things like certain types of cheese with added coloring and high fat levels, or yogurts with added thickeners. It’s a delicate balance, but the aim is to steer clear of foods packed with ingredients that are less beneficial for growing bodies. The hope is that kids will learn about and experience the benefits of eating more whole, natural foods.
Of course, this is an initiative that has already been tried before. The comments reflect a broad range of opinions, from enthusiastic support to cautious skepticism. It’s understandable that there might be concerns. One key question is: Will this initiative be coupled with increased funding for schools’ nutrition programs? The reality is, schools often work with tight budgets. To implement this change successfully, it will likely require an investment in both resources and culinary education for school staff.
It’s clear that the quality of school food has varied widely across the country, and many have experienced less-than-ideal meals, particularly those that were reliant on ingredients sourced from school cafeterias. There’s also concern about what the replacement foods will be. Is the focus on health, or on what is cheap and simple to prepare? It’s understandable.
It is encouraging that some schools are already taking proactive steps, as one commenter shared, including providing free, healthier meals to all students. It’s a testament to the potential of these changes. There’s a sense of nostalgia tied to those iconic school lunches, those square pizzas, and the chocolate milk. But the reality is that many of these meals lacked nutritional value. This is a huge step in the right direction.
The fact that this is now happening, and that other states, like Arizona, are considering similar legislation, is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of nutrition in our children’s lives. It’s about providing them with the fuel they need to thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.
The success of this initiative may also depend on a clear understanding of what’s being removed and what’s replacing it. If, as some have suggested, the focus is on bland, flavorless options without the addition of salt, butter, or other flavor enhancements, it could backfire.
It’s also important to recognize that changing the way children eat at school is only part of the equation. The eating habits established at home and the amount of physical activity children engage in also play a significant role in their overall health. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach.
This is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s also great to see that school districts are taking matters into their own hands, and that there is more interest in fresh, whole foods. This also allows children to have a wider array of food choices, and hopefully, the future looks a bit more promising as far as the eating habits of our future generation.