The bill amends various sections of Iowa's education code to enhance student nutrition education and modify school meal programs. It introduces new requirements for kindergarten through grade twelve curricula, mandating instruction on nutrition that emphasizes the importance, benefits, and role of animal-based protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruit in a balanced diet. Specifically, the bill inserts provisions into Section 256.11 that require health curricula for grades one through six and seven through eight to include this nutrition instruction, while also updating the agriculture, food, and natural resources component of career and technical education to include food production and local sourcing benefits.

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for the Iowa Department of Education to apply for a waiver from federal nutritional guidelines, allowing for the adoption of state-specific standards that reflect local dietary preferences and regional food sources. If granted, the department will create updated guidelines for what constitutes a nutritionally adequate meal, prioritizing animal-based proteins, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. The bill also mandates the formation of a joint committee to oversee the implementation of these guidelines and requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on their impact. The effective date for these changes is immediate for the waiver application section, while the other amendments will apply to school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.11, 256E.7
Reprinted: 256.11, 256E.7