Changes made to Louisiana bill inspired by Make America Healthy Again movement

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Significant changes have been made to a Louisiana bill connected to a broader national health initiative known as Make America Healthy Again (MAHA).

Amendments adopted for Senate Bill 14, authored by Sen. Patrick McMath (R-Covington), on the Senate floor on May 6 removed the proposed ban on the purchase of sodas using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. He said the proposal was removed from the bill after Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive order directing the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to submit a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude the purchase of sodas and candy using SNAP benefits in the state.

MAHA was co-founded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and encourages states to take legislative action on public health issues. In a March 28 post on X, Landry said Louisiana would help lead the movement. Kennedy responded, saying the governor had supported the effort “from when it took pure courage.”

What to know about changes to SB 14

McMath explained that the bill now has two parts to address food in schools and the disclosure of ingredients on labels. He said the states need to create “as much chaos as possible” to force companies in the food industry to change ingredient lists. 

Schools would be banned from serving food or drinks containing specific artificial colors and additives to students. An exception would be allowed for concession stands and vending machines on campuses. The bill also proposes that each school that gets state funding would ensure that 20% of the food bought is from Louisiana starting the 2027-28 school year. 

New food labeling requirements would have a QR code directing people to a webpage with ingredient disclaimers. Menus at restaurants would be required to have a disclaimer for dishes containing seed oils.

“I think we need to send a message to the nation that Louisiana is serious about our personal health outcomes and that nutrition is important,” McMath said on the Senate floor May 6. 

The Louisiana Senate passed the bill with amendments and sent it to the House. 

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