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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A new bill proposal by Republicans Sen. Janice Bowling and Rep. Lee Reeves would establish a special task force to evaluate the prevalence of ultra-processed foods and other harmful substances in public school meal programs and their potential health effects on children.
SB2122/HB2076 would establish a nine-member panel tasked with evaluating not only how much ultra-processed food (UPF), artificial food dyes, and chemical additives are currently included in K-12 school meals but also review clinical data regarding the link between UPF consumption and rising rates of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
The task force would then be responsible for developing “actionable recommendations to transition school menus toward whole-food alternatives.”
According to the legislation, task force members would be appointed from existing legislative committees by their respective chairs. Two members each would come from the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, Senate Education Committee, and respective equivalent committees in the House. The ninth member would be appointed by the Commissioner of Education to represent the Tennessee Department of Education (DOE).
It further states that task force members must not have any financial interests in or conflicts of interest with any food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing company. Members will also not receive any compensation, per diem, or travel expenses for this assignment.
Should the bill pass, it would take effect immediately as the proposal requires the task force to submit a final report of its findings and legislative recommendations to the governor no later than December 1, 2026, so lawmakers can consider the report and propose any necessary bills during the 2027 legislative session. The task force itself would cease to exist on January 31, 2027.
Both the Senate and House versions of the bill are awaiting committee assignments as all legislative activities were cancelled this week for inclement weather. They will likely be passed on first and second considerations then sent to their respective committees when the legislature reconvenes next week.
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.
