Arizona Healthy Schools Act
New Arizona Healthy Schools Act
Ultra-Processed Food Restrictions – A.R.S. 15-242.01
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Effective July 1, 2026, the Arizona Healthy Schools Act prohibits schools from serving, selling, or allowing a third party to sell ultra-processed food on the school campus during the regular school day.
Non-compliant items MUST NOT be sold, served, or allowed on campus during school hours.
What Is Allowed:
Schools must adhere to serving foods that do not contain the 11 specified food additives in lunches, vending machines, snack bars, and school stores during the regular school day. Even if a food says "Smart Snacks approved," you should still check the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredients list.
Examples of compliant foods that are available in stores:
- Skinny Pop Original
- Pirate's Booty
- Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted 1 oz. Bag
- MadeGood Granola Minis
- That's It Bars
Always Allowed:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Water with no added ingredients
Check to see if your snack meets the standards here
Where This Applies:
These guidelines apply to all food and beverage sales to students during the school day, including:
- Fundraisers
- Clubs & Student Organizations
- Booster Programs
- School Stores & Snack Sales
- Classroom/Birthday Celebrations (no pizza or ice cream parties)
Does Not Meet Standards:
- Candy bars & chocolate
- Cookies, muffins, pastries (non-compliant)
- Chips & ultra-processed snacks
- Soda, sports drinks, sugary beverages
- Any item NOT meeting Smart Snacks guidelines
What About Food Rewards, Class Parties, Etc.?
A.R.S. 15-242.01 prohibits the service or sale of ultra-processed foods at any point of the school day.
This includes:
- Student celebrations
- Birthday parties
- Prizes/incentives
- Classroom snacks
Questions?
Candice Whitbeck
602-681-2200 ext. 3015
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.