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AB 1264

Pupil nutrition: restricted school foods and ultraprocessed foods of concern: prohibition.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 23 co-sponsors

AB 1264 mandates California schools to phase out ultraprocessed foods by 2032, promoting healthier meals to improve children's nutrition and health outcomes.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 467, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 1264

Summary of AB 1264: Pupil Nutrition and Prohibition of Ultraprocessed Foods

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: AB 1264
- Title: Pupil nutrition: restricted school foods and ultraprocessed foods of concern: prohibition
- Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 467, Statutes of 2025
- Introduced: February 21, 2025
- Author: Assemblymember Gabriel

Purpose and Intent

AB 1264, also known as the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act, aims to reduce the consumption of ultraprocessed foods among California's schoolchildren. The legislation encourages schools to promote healthier meal options and prioritize agricultural and whole food products in school meals.

Key Provisions

  1. Definitions and Regulations:

    • The bill mandates the State Department of Public Health to define "ultraprocessed foods of concern" and "restricted school foods" by June 1, 2028. These definitions will consider scientific evidence linking certain foods to health risks.

  2. Phasing Out Restricted Foods:

    • Schools must begin phasing out restricted school foods and ultraprocessed foods of concern by July 1, 2029.
    • Starting July 1, 2032, vendors will be prohibited from offering these foods to schools.

  3. Vendor Reporting Requirements:

    • Vendors must report annually to the State Department of Public Health on the food products sold to schools, including quantities and classifications as ultraprocessed or restricted foods. This reporting starts on February 1, 2028, and continues through February 1, 2032.

  4. Annual Reporting to Legislature:

    • The State Department of Public Health, in consultation with the State Department of Education, must submit annual reports to the Legislature and Governor from July 1, 2028, through July 1, 2032. These reports will analyze vendor data and recommend actions to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods in schools.

  5. Compliance Training and Technical Assistance:

    • The State Department of Public Health will provide training and technical assistance to school food service and procurement staff to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

  6. Nutritional Standards for School Meals:

    • Beginning July 1, 2035, schools will be prohibited from offering nutritionally adequate breakfasts or lunches that include restricted foods or ultraprocessed foods. This includes restrictions on food sold during school hours, except for items sold during fundraising events.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The legislation will impact school districts, county superintendents, charter schools, food vendors, and ultimately, students who consume school meals.
  • Health Outcomes: The bill aims to improve the nutritional quality of food available in schools, potentially leading to better health outcomes for children by reducing their intake of ultraprocessed foods linked to various health issues.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was approved by the Governor on October 8, 2025, and has been chaptered into law.
  • It includes provisions for state reimbursement to local agencies for costs incurred due to the new mandates, as determined by the Commission on State Mandates.

This summary provides an overview of AB 1264, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and anticipated impacts on pupil nutrition in California schools.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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