On Monday, May 5th, our volunteer Capitol Lobby Team delivered the following information to every PA House Representative. We’d love it if you’d follow up with both your Representative and Senator to be sure they know the importance of nutritious meals. Invite them to next week’s Food Revolution Roundtable event (flyer HERE) and share our bill summary education sheet (flyer HERE).
Identifying your legislators is simple. Enter your address here and click “Search”. Note your PA House and PA Senate representatives. Click on the names of your representatives to find contact information. **The state website has moved to a new design. If the previous search didn’t work use this legacy site link to find your legislator.
Here are additional facts about why this bill matters:
Childhood should be a time of energy, growth, and discovery — but for far too many children in Pennsylvania, it’s being interrupted by preventable health problems. A recent study tracking child health from 1999 to 2018 found that nearly 1 in 3 children (ages 5–18) had at least one chronic condition.¹ That’s a crisis we can’t ignore.
Good health starts with good choices — and our children deserve better options in the places they spend the most time: their schools and homes. That’s why we’re supporting three critical bills in the Healthy PA Package aimed at protecting our children’s health and laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier future.
🥦 HB1131: The Healthy Students Act
This bill takes direct aim at the ultra-processed, nutrient-poor foods served in school cafeterias. By phasing out highly processed options and encouraging healthier meals, this bill supports improved focus, behavior, and long-term health — all while giving schools time to adapt (implementation is set for July 2027).
🌈 HB1132: Prohibiting Artificial Dyes in Schools
Artificial food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity, behavioral challenges, and developmental concerns. This bill would remove these dyes from foods offered during the school day, ensuring students are not unknowingly exposed to harmful additives while at school.
👶 HB507: Toxic Metals in Baby Food (Baby Food Protection Act)
No parent should have to wonder whether their baby’s food contains dangerous levels of heavy metals. HB507 requires testing and transparent labeling for arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury in baby food — making it easier for families to choose products that support healthy development during critical early years.
These bills don’t remove choice — they support informed, healthy choices by making better options more available and ensuring transparency around known risks. That’s what real prevention looks like.
Together, we can improve health outcomes for Pennsylvania’s youngest citizens and build thriving communities.
Let’s make common-sense health protections a priority. The time to act is now.
1. Academic Pediatrics: Prevalence of Chronic Conditions Among U.S. Children