Healthy Schools Act

Arizona has a new law called the Arizona Healthy Schools Act. This law changes what types of foods are allowed to be served, sold and shared at public schools that participate in federal meal programs, such as free and reduced lunch. The new law applies to all Amphitheater schools.

What You Need to Know

• Parents/guardians may pack any lunch or snack for their own child.
• Food to be shared with other students does have to comply with the law. Think birthday treats, class party items, etc.
• Any food sold by PTO’s, booster clubs, or third parties during school hours has to comply with the law.
• Food provided by our school meal programs is already in compliance.

Choose: Fresh fruits and vegetables; cheese; nuts and seeds; plain popcorn; some plain tortilla chips and plain potato chips (check labels); crackers; baked goods without brightly colored icing.

Generally Avoid: Brightly colored items such as candies, fruit snacks, beverages, cupcakes, cookies and donuts; colored cereals; gelatin desserts; popsicles and frozen treats; any food with bright red, blue, green, or neon colors.

Note: The Arizona Healthy Schools Act applies to food offered on campus during the school day, which is defined as midnight until 30 minutes after the school day. Events held off-campus or outside of the defined school day are not restricted by the law.

What is considered ultra-processed?

The Arizona Healthy Schools Act defines ultra-processed foods as those with one or more of the following banned ingredients:

• Potassium Bromate
• Propylparaben
• Titanium Dioxide
• Brominated Vegetable Oil
• Yellow Dye 5
• Yellow Dye 6
• Blue Dye 1
• Blue Dye 2
• Green Dye 3
• Red Dye 3
• Red Dye 40
•  

Want to read the Healthy Schools Act (HB-2164)?: Find it here.