Bill > A07590

This bill introduces several significant changes to school meal regulations in New York State. First, it expands an existing program that provides state subsidies to school food authorities that purchase at least 30% of their food products from New York state farmers, growers, producers, or processors, now allowing these purchases to be counted across breakfast and snack programs in addition to lunch programs. Second, the bill prohibits the sale of school foods containing specific synthetic color additives (such as FD&C Red No. 3, Blue No. 1, and Yellow No. 5) in public schools, with exceptions for sales off school premises or after school hours. Third, it establishes a "Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Schools Program" that will provide grants to schools for kitchen upgrades, with a priority given to schools lacking facilities to prepare healthy meals. Lastly, the bill mandates that school meals be planned to ensure students do not consume more than 25 grams of added sugars per day, giving students the flexibility to choose meal options while staying within this sugar limit. These provisions aim to support local agriculture, improve food quality, and promote healthier eating habits among school children.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7590