Bill > S401

This bill establishes Massachusetts Child Nutrition Day on March 21st and introduces comprehensive nutrition standards for school lunches in public schools. The legislation requires food service management companies to ensure that at least 50% of lunch entrées are healthy, fiber-rich foods containing whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and proteins, as part of a reimbursable meal under the USDA National School Lunch Program. The bill strictly limits ultra-processed foods, defining them as industrial formulations containing artificial additives and substances rarely used in home cooking, and prohibits more than 20% of entrées from being ultra-processed or having high cholesterol and saturated fat content. Food service providers must maintain and publicly share monthly nutrition data to demonstrate compliance, with a three-year phase-in period for implementation, allowing schools and food service companies time to adapt to the new requirements. The overall purpose is to support student nutrition and promote a healthier, more equitable future by improving the nutritional quality of school meals.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S401