State schools chief Tom Horne has expressed support for a legislative effort to remove junk food from Arizona's school cafeterias. Horne endorsed HB 2164, a bill that aims to ban public schools from serving foods containing potentially harmful ingredients. The substances being scrutinized include preservatives and dyes, such as potassium bromate and blue dye #2, which some studies suggest may pose health risks to children.
At a press event, Horne was accompanied by a group of supporters, including lawmakers and advocates from various sectors, all expressing support for improving the diets of Arizona's youth. "The time has come to eliminate harmful foods from public schools and vending machines," Horne said, highlighting the significant difference between the U.S. and Europe in terms of the number of approved food ingredients., according to a statement obtained by the Arizona Department of Education. He also mentioned the success of previous efforts to remove sugared sodas from schools and expressed a desire to achieve similar results in the current initiative.
Backing Horne's enthusiasm, Rep. Leo Biasiucci, the bill's sponsor, pointed out the need for nutritious meals over "artificial dyes and cheap fillers" in school-provided lunches. "Our kids deserve better," Biasiucci told the Arizona Department of Education. Meanwhile, Sen. Janae Shamp, reinforced the initiative's gravity, announcing her interest in pioneering the Make America Healthy Caucus to amplify such health-conscious efforts.
The push for cleaner school meals drew support from outside the political arena as well. Chris Chavez from Turning Point USA's Healthy Americans Coalition highlighted the connection between current school food options and rising rates of obesity and diabetes among students. "The Arizona Healthy Schools Act offers them a chance at a healthier future," Chavez mentioned in hopes of rallying community support. Actor and health food advocate Rob Schneider, attributing great importance to children's dietary needs, remarked, "The needs of the most precious members of our community, our children, must come first," as per a statement released by the Arizona Department of Education.
Diana Diaz-Harrison of the Arizona Autism Charter Schools discussed the potential impact of the bill, noting how eliminating ultra-processed foods can improve student behavior and health, including reducing seizures, illustrating the effect of diet on children's functioning. U.S. military veteran Brian Sikma also highlighted the bill's relevance, mentioning that health and fitness are important for public service eligibility. Sikma emphasized the role of proper nutrition in supporting America's future, reflecting the broader implications of the nutritional choices made in schools.
