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Arizona Healthy Schools Act

Beginning the 2026-2027 school year, all Arizona Public Schools will follow the Arizona Healthy Schools Act (A.R.S. 15-242.01).The new law will impact what foods can and cannot be served or provided to a child at school during regular school hours.

What's Changing?

No Ultra-Processed Foods:

Public schools participating in federal meal programs can no longer serve or sell ultra-processed foods. The law defines ultra-processed foods as those with one (1), or more of the following 11 banned ingredients:

  • Potassium bromate

  • Propylparaben

  • Titanium dioxide

  • Brominated vegetable oil

  • Yellow Dye 5 or Yellow Dye 6

  • Blue Dye 1 or Blue Dye 2

  • Green Dye 3

  • Red Dye 3 or Red Dye 40

No Outside Foods with Banned Ingredients:

To comply with the new law, parents, guardians, visitors, and outside organizations may not distribute or sell food or beverages containing any of the law's 11 prohibited ingredients to students during the regular school day.

How Does This Impact Student Celebrations and Shared Snacks?

The new law applies to student celebrations and shared snacks during the school day. Please check product labels to ensure any food items meet the district's Smart Snacks guidelines before bringing them to school.

What Can You Pack From Home?

These new rules do not apply to parents packing their child's individual lunch or snacks. Parents can still pack any lunches and snacks for their individual child. A parent or their child cannot give food containing any of the 11 banned ingredients to any other students.

Have More Questions? 

For more information about the Arizona Healthy Schools Act, download our printable fact sheet or contact the GESD Food and Nutrition Department.