What is the Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act?

In today's society, American children are consuming more than two-thirds of their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have been linked to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, and mental health issues.

To address this growing health crisis, Congressman Michael Kennedy has proposed a bill that would prohibit schools from serving UPFs and foods containing certain additives.

This article delves into the details of the bill, the specific additives that would be banned, and the potential impact on the health of school meals. It also offers guidance on making healthier choices for your family.

First, let's define what UPFs are.

Understanding UPFs and NOVA

The bill suggests amending the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prevent schools from serving UPFs classified under group 4 of the NOVA system, which categorizes the processing level of foods into four groups.

• Unprocessed or minimally processed foods: Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, and culinary ingredients like oil and spices.
• Processed culinary ingredients: Items such as sugar, salt, and butter fall into this category.
• Processed foods: These are foods made by adding ingredients like sugar and fat to minimally processed foods, such as cheese and bread.
• Ultra-processed foods: This category includes heavily processed items like fast food, candy, and energy bars.

The Issues with UPFs

Research has shown that a high consumption of UPFs is associated with an increased risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

While some advocate for the removal of all UPFs from school meals, recent studies suggest that not all UPFs have negative health effects. Some may even have health benefits.

Banned Additives

The Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act would prohibit the use of additives like potassium bromate, propylparaben, and brominated vegetable oil in school foods. Additionally, eight colorants, including titanium dioxide and various dyes, would also be banned due to their known health risks.

While removing these additives is a step towards improving children's health, there are still other additives that pose health risks and are not included in the ban.

What You Can Do

ZOE, a science and nutrition company, has developed a free app that helps consumers make informed choices about their food purchases. The app uses a Risk Scale for Processed Foods to assess the nutritional value and health impact of various products.

By using this app, individuals can navigate food labels more easily and choose items that support their health goals. The app categorizes foods into five risk levels, allowing users to make educated decisions about what to feed their families.

Conclusion

While the Healthy Lunch for Healthy Kids Act aims to improve the quality of school meals by eliminating UPFs and certain additives, there are potential challenges and limitations to consider. It is essential for individuals to have access to reliable information, such as the ZOE app, to make informed decisions about their dietary choices.