AZ SB1257

Department of Education shall develop separate nutrition standards for high schools by July 1, 2014, meeting at least federal guidelines for foods and beverages sold during the normal school day.

High schools must provide a variety of beverage choices including bottled water, 100% juice, low-fat milk, and isotonic beverages, with diet drinks and zero calorie carbonated beverages limited to no more than 50% of available beverages.

Beginning July 15, 2014, new and renewal food and beverage contracts must limit diet drinks, zero calorie carbonated beverages, and low-juice drinks to no more than 50% of vending machine capacity; all other foods of minimal nutritional value are prohibited.

Culinary education programs are exempt from nutrition standards unless they sell food or beverages to pupils during the normal school day.

School districts may adopt more stringent nutrition standards, and the bill does not restrict fundraising sales off campus or food sales to faculty and staff in faculty lounges.