Iowa Bill Aims to Improve School Nutrition

Legislation calls for doctor training and limits on food dyes and additives

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bill that has cleared an Iowa House subcommittee outlines parts of Governor Kim Reynolds' health policy agenda. The legislation would require Iowa doctors to complete a one-hour nutrition education course and ban certain food dyes and additives from school meals. However, the Iowa Beverage Association opposes the food restrictions, arguing that the banned ingredients have been approved by the FDA.

Why it matters

The bill is part of Governor Reynolds' efforts to address health and nutrition issues in the state. While supporters believe the measures could improve student health, opponents argue the restrictions go beyond what federal regulators have deemed safe.

The details

The bill would mandate that Iowa doctors complete a one-hour nutrition education course. It would also prohibit the use of specific food dyes and additives in school meals, which the Iowa Beverage Association opposes. Additionally, the legislation would require the state to continue applying for federal waivers to restrict food stamp purchases to healthy foods, building on Iowa's existing ban on using assistance for taxable items like candy and soda.

  • The bill has cleared an Iowa House subcommittee.

The players

Governor Kim Reynolds

The governor of Iowa who has proposed the health policy agenda outlined in the bill.

Jon Murphy

A lobbyist for the Iowa Beverage Association, which opposes the food restrictions in the bill.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“All of the ingredients and dyes on this list have been approved by the FDA and so there's been rigorous scientific study done on all of these things, and so we don't think that it's appropriate to go through what the FDA has already done and say they got it wrong.”

— Jon Murphy, Lobbyist, Iowa Beverage Association (kbur.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects ongoing debates around the role of government in regulating food and nutrition, particularly in schools, and the balance between public health concerns and industry opposition to new restrictions.