Schools Just Got Healthier!
Effective the 2026-27 school year, Arizona has a brand-new law called the Arizona Healthy Schools Act (A.R.S. 15-242.01). This law requires higher nutritional standards by prohibiting certain food additives on school campuses during the school day.
No Ultra-Processed Foods
All school staff must adhere to serving foods/beverages that do not contain the 11 specified food additives in school meals, vending machines, snack bars, and school stores during the regular school day.
What Exactly is Ultra-Processed?
The Arizona Healthy Schools Act defines ultra-processed foods as those with any of the following eleven ingredients:
potassium bromate
propylparaben
titanium dioxide
brominated vegetable oil
yellow dye 5 or 6
blue dye 1 or 2
green dye 3
red dye 3 or 40
Be sure to check the ingredient label for these prohibited ingredients.
Defining the School Day
The “school day” is defined as the period from the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.
When Does the Law Go Into Effect?
This law takes effect at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this law affect what I can send for my child?
This law does not apply to foods or beverages parents provide for their child. Parents can still pack any meals, snacks, or treats for their individual child.
Does this law affect classroom celebrations, snacks or birthday parties?
This law prohibits the sale or service of ultra-processed foods at any point of the school day. This includes student celebrations, birthday parties, prizes/incentives, and classroom snacks. Any food/beverages supplied or donated for the classroom must comply with this law.
Does this law affect fundraisers?
Fundraisers occurring during the school day must meet the Arizona Healthy Schools Act guidelines. Fundraisers occurring during the school day must also meet Smart Snack regulations or have a fundraising exemption waiver.
Learn more at mpsaz.org/food.