Bill > H539

This bill establishes Massachusetts Child Nutrition Day on March 21 and introduces comprehensive regulations for school lunch nutrition 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 other protein sources as part of a reimbursable meal within the federal National School Lunch Program. The bill defines key terms like "ultra-processed food" (industrial formulations with artificial additives) and limits such foods to no more than 20% of entrée items, specifically those with high cholesterol or saturated fat content. Food service providers must maintain and publicly share monthly itemized nutrition data to demonstrate compliance. The law includes a three-year phase-in period, allowing schools and food service companies time to adapt to the new nutritional standards, with full implementation expected by the 2033-2034 school year. The overarching purpose is to support student nutrition and contribute to a healthier, more equitable future for Massachusetts schoolchildren.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H539