Apr 10, 2025 - Education
Louisiana could ban ultra-processed foods in school lunches
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Louisiana could ban ultra-processed foods in school lunches as soon as this year.
Why it matters: Most Louisiana students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch programs, which means any school lunch changes could be far-reaching.
The latest: Two state lawmakers have proposed bans on ultra-processed foods in school lunches for consideration during the legislative session that begins Monday.
The proposals include:
- A prohibition on serving and selling ultra-processed foods in public schools. Read the bill.
- A broader ban on ultra-processed foods that would apply to any school receiving public funds, require some new food labeling and nutrition education for health providers and ban the use of SNAP benefits for buying soft drinks. That piece would require federal approval. Read the bill.
Zoom in: In Louisiana, 62% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2022–23, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.