Byron Donalds Advocates for Healthier School Lunches in Florida

Last updated: July 29, 2026

NewsWK — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican and gubernatorial candidate, is pushing for significant changes to school lunch programs in Florida. His proposal focuses on eliminating ultra-processed foods from school meals, a topic that the state legislature previously declined to address.

Donalds aims to remove not only ultra-processed foods but also artificial dyes and harmful additives from school lunches. He stated, “When a kid sits down in a cafeteria, parents want to know what’s on that tray. When they fill a cup at the fountain, we want to know what’s in that water.” He emphasized that Florida has the capacity to provide healthier food options, saying, “This isn’t radical, it’s what every parent expects at their own kitchen table, and it’s what Florida is going to deliver to every Florida student.”

Last year, a proposal by Sen. Jon Martin to define and ban ultra-processed foods in schools did not advance due to concerns from food and beverage industry lobbyists. They argued that such a ban could lead to consumer distrust in the food supply and logistical challenges for schools in sourcing new food suppliers.

In October, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson expressed his commitment to addressing the issue of ultra-processed foods in schools, especially as the 2026 legislative session approaches. Following a report from the Make America Healthy Again Commission, he noted the need for action in defining and tackling ultra-processed foods in Florida schools.

Additionally, Donalds plans to enhance the Farm to Schools program, which promotes the inclusion of Florida-grown products in school lunches. He also proposed that schools should post menus and ingredient lists online and ensure that every child has access to clean, tested water both at school and at home.