BVH school students and staff are reacting to California’s new Assembly Bill 1264 that was signed into law Oct. 8. This bill bans ultra-processed foods and certain food dyes in school cafeterias. While some students see the law as a positive step for health, others wonder how it might change what ends up on their lunch trays.
Assembly Bill 1264, also known as the Healthy School Meals Act, requires California public schools to remove foods containing artificial dyes such as Red No. 3, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, along with other additives linked to health issues like hyperactivity and allergies. The bill also restricts the sale of ultra-processed foods, which are items that are heavily altered and contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Instead, schools must offer more natural and less processed options that meet updated nutritional standards. The law aims to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the amount of harmful chemicals in their daily diets. For students like sophomore Alyssa Riggs, the change feels overdue.
“I think that this bill could be really good for our school system and for our health. The state is taking good measures because they are making sure that the youth are having nutrition that is going to fuel their brains and bodies well,” Riggs said.
The law, signed earlier this year, aims to eliminate ingredients linked to health issues while promoting more natural, nutritious meals. Riggs believes that the state’s push for healthier meals will help students’ minds and bodies function better. She later shares as well how the current food “does not always feel very nutritious,” and sometimes causes stomachaches.
“I think that with better foods, we can become better students. It’s a good step for our health,” Riggs said.
At BVH, cafeteria updates have already been underway. Principal Dr. Alex Salazar shared insights on how the district has been preparing for this change. He notes how the district has been working toward organic and locally sourced options even before the bill.
“I had the opportunity to talk to [Monica Rebelloso], our cafeteria manager, and she thought that we were further behind [on meeting the new food standards}, but we are actually far ahead,” Dr. Salazar said. “Our Director of Nutrition Services, Eric Spann, is very pro-organic, pro-natural foods. In working with Spann, he [has] always [been]concerned about the quality of the food that our students are receiving.”
Salazar explained that SUHSD has already begun shifting vendors to prioritize natural ingredients and vegan options. BVH also highlights a “Fruit of the Month,” such as grapes or persimmons, to promote healthy eating among students and encourage them to try new, nutritious foods. As principal, Dr. Salazar has been closely involved in supporting these efforts to improve the quality of school meals.
“We have posters such as the November Fruit of the Month all around school, we use them to advertise and make our food more appealing for students,” Dr Salazar explains. “It even highlights the benefits. High in antioxidants, great for boosting your immune system and rich in vitamin A. So, part of it is through a messaging campaign.”
Salazar emphasized that while the bill focuses on removing artificial additives and ultra- processed foods, BVH is taking it a step further with a broader vision to prepare meals from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. While students may take time to adjust, he hopes messaging campaigns and menu transparency will encourage them to embrace the change. Still, not every student expects the law to affect them much, like Allister Kastlunger, a sophomore at BVH.
“I think it is good that they are banning foods that are over processed because I eat a lot of them. I know it is bad for me, so by banning it, it helps me to be healthier. As for specific foods, I do not think it will affect me at all unless they remove the hummus. I’m going to riot if they remove the hummus,” Kastlunger said.
Kastlunger shares how he might not notice the difference unless his favorite snack disappears. But, he emphasized that just because it does not affect him, does not mean it will not affect others. He especially points out his worry for free school meals being taken away with this new ban. He strongly believes that school lunches should remain accessible and free for those who need it.
“School lunches are free right now, if they start making people pay for lunch, that [would be] terrible. I think that will decrease the amount of people who eat school lunches,” Kastlunger said. “I have always thought that it was wrong that students pay for lunch, especially when in some cases people do not have a lot of money and that is how they get a lot of their food.”
His comments reflect a concern shared by many students, that—affordability and taste must go hand in hand with nutrition. As BVH prepares for potential changes, Dr. Salazar remains confident the transition will be smooth. He sees the law as part of a broader effort to align the school’s culture with its community’s values of health and sustainability. When asked what message he would give to students who might be skeptical or frustrated about the new food laws, he responded with the utmost confidence that it would be a smooth transition
“I have seen the food, consumed the food and gotten feedback from other students on how delicious it is. Do not worry. That’s my message. The food will remain tasty and healthy, I know that. My second message is [that] anytime you want to give me feedback about anything, be regarding our food or our menu options, please do so,” Dr. Salazar said.
