This bill aims to enhance student nutrition education and modify school meal programs in Iowa by incorporating nutrition instruction into the curricula for students from kindergarten through grade 12. It mandates that the kindergarten program include nutrition education emphasizing the importance and benefits of animal-based protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruit. Additionally, the bill modifies the agriculture, food, and natural resources component of career and technical education for grades 9 through 12 to include instruction on food production, local sourcing benefits, and sustainable farming practices.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section requiring the Department of Education to apply for a waiver under federal law to exempt certain nutritional standards in school meal programs and to allow for state-specific guidelines that align with Iowa's dietary recommendations. If granted, the Department must adopt updated guidelines for what constitutes a nutritionally adequate meal, prioritizing animal-based protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruit. The bill also requires the establishment of a joint committee to oversee the implementation of these guidelines and mandates annual reporting to the General Assembly on the impact of the new nutritional standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.11, 256E.7