New Legislation Targets Ultraprocessed Foods in California Schools

By GovPrepare News Desk – December 20, 2025

Standfirst: The California Department of Education has endorsed new legislation aimed at reducing ultraprocessed foods in public schools to improve student health and nutrition. The law affects school menus and procurement practices starting in 2026.

Key Highlights

• California passes new legislation to limit ultraprocessed foods in K-12 public schools.
• The new rules will take effect in fall 2026 during the 2026–27 academic year.
• Menus must prioritize whole foods over ultraprocessed alternatives.
• The law aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) dietary guidelines.
• Training and resources will be provided for school food service staff.
• Affected entities include local educational agencies and food vendors statewide.

Background and Context

The conversation around ultraprocessed foods has intensified in recent years. Ultraprocessed foods – such as artificially flavored snacks, sweetened beverages, and packaged entrees – are typically high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Multiple studies, including those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have linked their consumption to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues in children.

In response to growing concerns, the California State Legislature has explored multiple avenues to improve student health through better school nutrition policies. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (federal legislation) laid down foundational standards, but state-level leaders have argued that more targeted action is needed against ultraprocessed foods. According to the California Department of Education (CDE), over 60% of the caloric intake for children in schools still comes from processed or ultraprocessed food items.

The New Development

On December 15, 2025, the California Department of Education formally announced the passage of legislation aimed at reducing ultraprocessed foods in public school meals. Under the new law, schools must gradually phase out menu items that fall under the NOVA classification for “ultraprocessed” foods. Meals will require more plant-based, whole-food options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

This legislation was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom after the California State Assembly and Senate approved Assembly Bill 1115 (AB 1115) earlier in 2025. Schools will be given until August 2026 to make the necessary changes in procurement and menu planning. Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) will receive grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 based on student population size to assist with transitioning away from ultraprocessed foods. These grants will be administered through the CDE’s Nutrition Services Division.

Additionally, the CDE will provide centralized nutrition education resources, culinary training programs, and technical assistance to school district nutrition staff starting in March 2026.

Expert and Industry Reaction

Public health advocates have praised the legislation as a significant step in promoting lifelong healthy eating habits. Dr. Elena Morales, Director of the California Center for Nutrition Equity, stated, “This is a long-overdue course correction. Our food system must prioritize the wellbeing of children, and this policy adds both accountability and support.”

However, some school administrators and food vendors have raised concerns about implementation challenges. Mark Bridges, President of the California School Nutrition Association, cautioned, “Sourcing and preparing fresh, minimally processed food is more labor-intensive and costly. We welcome the grants, but sustained funding is necessary for long-term success.”

Meanwhile, food manufacturers expressed interest in reformulating existing products to comply with the new guidelines. Large suppliers for school lunches may undergo modifications in ingredients and packaging to continue contracts with LEAs.

Alignment with Global or National Standards

The policy aligns closely with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which advises reducing ultraprocessed food intake due to its link to noncommunicable diseases. It is also consistent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, which emphasize nutrient-dense whole foods.

Internationally, similar school-based nutrition reforms have been enacted in countries like Brazil and France, both of which regulate food marketing and menu content in schools. California’s model may serve as a state-level counterpart to global benchmarks for improving childhood nutrition and dietary outcomes in institutional settings.

Impact on Stakeholders

For Schools: School food service departments will need to alter menu structures, re-train staff, and update supply contracts. Nutrition planning tools and culinary skills training will be made readily accessible through the CDE portal.

For Students and Parents: Families can expect healthier food options at schools, with a visible reduction in processed snacks and sugar-laden beverages. The initiative also includes education components that teach children how to select healthier foods in their daily lives.

For Food Vendors: Suppliers will need to reformulate products or diversify offerings to match the new procurement guidelines. This regulatory shift could open up markets for local farms and small food producers supplying fresh and whole foods.

For Public Health: If effectively implemented, the policy could reduce the burden of childhood obesity and associated health conditions over time, cutting long-term healthcare costs and improving overall student well-being.

Official Guidance

• California Department of Education
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Nutrition
• USDA – National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• World Health Organization – Healthy Diet Overview
• California Legislative Information Portal

Conclusion

California’s new legislation to curtail ultraprocessed foods in schools represents one of the most direct state-level efforts to reshape school nutrition around whole, minimally processed foods. While implementation logistics may pose challenges, the collaborative approach – including funding, training, and technical guidance – signals a serious commitment to children’s health.

From legislative halls to classroom cafeterias, the new rules offer a model of policy-driven public health nutrition. School districts, vendors, and educators will need to engage proactively to meet the 2026 deadline. GovPrepare will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as CDE releases execution guidelines.

Excerpt (Meta Description)

California passes new legislation to limit ultraprocessed foods in public schools, aligning with WHO dietary guidelines and impacting the 2026–27 school year.

Tags

California Department of Education, ultraprocessed food policy, school nutrition, healthy food in schools, public health legislation, student wellness, USDA guidelines, WHO nutrition standards, K-12 food policy, Assembly Bill 1115, school cafeteria reform, child nutrition policy