NJ S946, the "NJ Healthy Schools Act," prohibits schools participating in federally funded meal programs from serving, selling, or allowing third parties to sell ultraprocessed foods on school property during the school day, effective September 2026. The bill defines ultraprocessed foods as those containing potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and synthetic food dyes including FD&C Yellow 5 and 6, Red 3 and 40, Green 3, and Blue 1 and 2. Parents retain the right to provide such foods to their own children. The bill requires the Department of Education to create a standardized compliance certification form and maintain a publicly accessible list of compliant schools, updated annually.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA strongly supports this bill because it directly aligns with the clean-food agenda by restricting access to artificial food dyes and harmful chemical additives that have been banned or restricted in other developed nations. The bill removes known toxins from school environments without infringing on parental choice or individual freedom, as parents can still provide any food they choose to their children. By requiring transparency through a public certification list, the bill increases accountability and gives families visibility into which schools are protecting children's health. This represents genuine health freedom: empowering parents and schools to make informed, healthier choices while protecting vulnerable populations from unnecessary chemical exposure during the school day.