Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A Make America Healthy Again-type (MAHA) bill passed the Senate on Monday which will require an evaluation of the prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and other harmful substances in public school nutrition programs and their potential health effects on students.
SB2122 by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) asks the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) and nutritional subject matter experts to study the amount and impact of UPFs, artificial dyes, and chemical additives in food or drinks served through school meal programs.
The bill initially created a special task force to perform the investigation, but Sen. Bowling amended the legislation so TACIR can use its existing resources to perform the study, thereby avoiding a fiscal note and eliminating the risk of the bill stalling behind the budget.
Under the new language, the TACIR report will include the identification of UPFs and the other substances provided to students through the meal programs, a summary of research regarding the link between UPF consumption and rising rates of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction, and an analysis of ways to transition school nutrition programs toward whole-food alternatives.
The report must be submitted to the General Assembly, the Governor, and the legislative librarian by Jan. 31, 2027.
There were no questions or comments by Senators on the floor, and the bill passed 30-1 in a strong show of bipartisan support. Republican Sen. Todd Gardenhire was the only member to vote “No”.
House companion bill HB2076 is scheduled for the House Finance, Ways, & Means Subcommittee on Wednesday, April 8. If you support this legislation, use the information below to contact subcommittee members:
House Finance, Ways, & Means Subcommittee– HB2076 to be heard April 8
HB2076 requires a study on the impact of ultra-processed foods and other additives in school nutrition programs
Rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mark.cochran@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov; rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
