The bill aims to enhance the nutritional quality of school lunches in Massachusetts by establishing new standards and promoting healthy eating among students. It introduces a new section in Chapter 6 of the General Laws, designating March 21 as Massachusetts Child Nutrition Day, encouraging observance of the day by the public. Additionally, it amends Chapter 71 to ensure that food service management companies provide at least 50% of the entrees served in public schools as healthy options, which must include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and other fiber-rich proteins. The bill also restricts the sale of ultra-processed foods and sets limits on cholesterol and saturated fat content in school meals.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that food service providers maintain and publicly share itemized nutrition data monthly to demonstrate compliance with these new standards. It establishes a School Meal Nutrition Standards Advisory Council to guide the implementation of these recommendations, consisting of 11 members appointed by the governor and other stakeholders. The council will focus on developing comprehensive nutrition standards, conducting feasibility assessments, and addressing barriers to implementation. Members will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses, and the council is required to meet at least four times a year.