A Louisiana Legislative committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would require schools to serve healthier food, a movement in line with President Trump’s and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
Republican Sen. Blake Miguez of Lafayette said his Senate Bill 117 “boldly addresses the childhood obesity crisis.” The Senate Education Committee advanced the measure without objection.
Miguez’s bill would require all schools that receive federal or state funds to eliminate “ultra processed” foods that include chemicals and additives like dyes and seed oils.
“This aims to address long-term health and aligns with the Make America Healthy Again agenda,” Miguez said.
Kennedy announced Tuesday during a news conference that eight dyes will be eliminated from medications and the nation’s food supply by the end of 2026, including those found in candy, ice cream, soft drinks and jams.
Jill Hines of Health Freedom Louisiana testified in favor of Miguez’s bill.
“We are facing a national health crisis, and unfortunately Louisiana is 42nd in childhood obesity,” Hines said. “Cleaning up school meals is one of the most impactful steps Louisiana can take.”
The bill now moves to the full Senate for debate.
“It’s a commonsense reform that will protect Louisiana children,” Miguez said.
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Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana advances Make America Healthy Again agenda for school meals
