Massachusetts May Force Healthier School Lunches

The nanny state of Massachusetts is at it again. This time, the do-gooders are aiming for your kids and the food they eat in the school cafeteria.

Several state lawmakers are proposing legislation that would require Massachusetts public schools to serve healthier lunches in the school cafeteria. The Legislature's Education Committee recently met to discuss the proposal.

Where have we seen this before? Oh yeah, former First Lady Michelle Obama attempted to healthy-up school lunch menus with lots of fruits and veggies and other healthy stuff. The result was a lot of good food tossed in the trash by kids who didn't want it.

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The New York Post reported, "Obama said she couldn't believe how controversial her school lunch initiative turned out to be during a recent podcast."

Perhaps it's because people don't appreciate being told what to eat.

What the Proposed Legislation Would Do

Springfield-based WWLP-TV reported, "The bill seeks to regulate what proportion of ultra-processed foods and additives cafeterias can offer, ensure whole grains and fruits and vegetables are available, and make itemized nutritional information publicly available."

There is opposition to the legislation from the Consumer Brands Association.

Why Critics Say the Plan Won’t Work

CBA spokesman Greg Costa told the station the proposed regulations could drive up the cost of providing school lunches.

In August 2023, Massachusetts enacted permanent universal free school meals, funded by the so-called "Millionaires' Tax," a four percent tax on the state's wealthiest residents.

According to the Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center, several other states provide no-cost meals to students in public schools.

Should the Government Decide What Kids Eat?

Here is the problem as I see it: when the food costs you nothing, you either eat it or you don't. My recommendation would be to ask Santa for a large lunch bucket filled with whatever you want to eat for lunch, not what some nameless, faceless Massachusetts State Representative thinks is best for you.