On Oct. 8, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law as part of the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act (AB 1264) regarding lunches in California schools. The bill defines and plans to phase out ultra-processed foods from public school meals. The process of making this change will be gradual over the next 10 years, and on July 1, 2035, it will be prohibited to serve ultra-processed foods at school. California is the first state in the nation to implement this change to its food production policies. Governor Newsom has signed multiple reforms since taking office, aiming to improve nutrition standards and provide access to healthy foods.
“Sometimes [San Marin] will add new meals, but it’s basically the same things,” senior Isa Kelly said.
The food at San Marin High School has remained consistent over the past few years, with minimal changes to the menu options.
In compliance with the new legislation, the menu will be updated to include more locally sourced and preservative-free foods. This change will require an investment in different equipment to create meals out of the less processed alternatives and a higher labor cost. The policy does not include additional funding to cover the cost. However, there is potential for long-term savings for schools due to the short transportation from relatively local areas.
The food people consume has a lasting effect on their physical and mental health. Most meals currently provided by schools are high in calories but low in nutritional value. This leads to students feeling temporary satisfaction followed by the return of hunger within hours, often resulting in overeating. This contributes to the high rate of childhood obesity in the United States. Learning depends on proper nourishment, so all students must have access to the meals. However, students have not been respectful. Students’ mental health is affected as well; without proper nutrition, their ability to learn, focus, and grow is limited.
“Good nutrition allows [students] to better focus on their studies without being distracted and fuels their brain to work to their fullest potential,” sophomore Eva Erickson said.
Students’ lack of concentration while in class may alter state test scores and other important evaluations that influence how San Marin and other schools are seen. The reputation and academic integrity of a school determine the amount of funding it receives. This could be a major factor in getting other states to pass similar bills to help improve their own state scores.
Newsom’s bill could become a model for the nation, creating school meals that prioritize nutrition, therefore ensuring a healthier future for the next generations.
