Rep. Kennedy Introduces Bill to Protect Children’s Health in Schools

WAHSINGTON, D.C. – April 1, 2025 –  Today, Representative Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act, aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of meals served to students under the National School Lunch Program. This legislation seeks to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit the serving of certain harmful and ultra-processed foods in school cafeterias.

The proposed legislation would establish stricter nutritional standards that promote healthier eating habits for schoolchildren across the nation. Under this bill, schools would be prohibited from serving foods that fall under the category of "ultraprocessed foods," as defined by the NOVA classification system.

Additionally, the bill specifically bans foods containing a range of harmful ingredients, including:

• Potassium bromate
• Propylparaben
• Titanium dioxide
• Brominated vegetable oil
• Yellow dye 5 and 6
• Blue dye 1 and 2
• Green dye 3
• Red dye 3 and 40

The Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act aims to address growing concerns about the long-term effects of unhealthy food consumption on children, including issues such as obesity, allergies, and behavioral problems. The bill reflects a commitment to prioritizing children’s health and well-being by advocating for healthier food options within the National School Lunch Program. The proposed changes will help ensure that schools provide meals that not only meet basic nutritional needs but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of students, setting a foundation for healthier habits that last a lifetime.

“Every child needs access to nutritious meals that support their growth, development, and academic success. This legislation takes an important step toward eliminating harmful additives and ultra-processed ingredients from the foods served in schools. By raising the nutritional standards of school lunches, we are investing in the long-term health of our future generations. Utah has already led the way, and I am committed to ensuring this momentum continues,” said Representative Kennedy

“As the sponsor of Utah’s recently signed HB402, which requires the removal of synthetic dyes and other chemicals from school prepared foods in Utah, I am very happy to see my friend and congressman, Dr. Mike Kennedy, continue his focus on protecting childhood health as a member of Congress, just as he did in the state legislature. His legislation to eliminate harmful ingredients in school lunches will ensure that our children receive the nutrition they need and deserve. Removing synthetic dyes and other chemical additives will improve physical and mental health, increase academic performance, and decrease behavioral issues in schools. I appreciate Congressman Kennedy’s commitment to making Utah's legislation the norm in schools across America. His effort is a critical step in the collective effort to Make America Healthy Again,” said Representative Kristen Chevrier, Utah House District 54