Kansas Bill: HB 2164

Bill Summary

HB 2164 bans a defined list of ultra‑processed additives (including certain dyes, preservatives, and processing agents) from reimbursable and free/reduced‑price school meals beginning in 2027‑2028. It requires schools to certify compliance during health inspections and correct and publicly disclose any violations. The bill also mandates at least 30 minutes of supervised daily recess for K–5 students on full school days and creates a Kansas state physical fitness test, aligned with the presidential test, to be given annually to all students in grades 1–12. Finally, it updates the school term law so that up to one hour per day of organized recess counts toward required instructional time.

Why It Matters to MAHA

The Make America Healthy Again Movement supports HB 2164 because it directly removes key ultra‑processed additives from the school meals many children rely on every day. By guaranteeing daily recess and measuring fitness statewide, it builds regular movement and objective health markers into the core school experience, not just optional programs. Counting organized recess as instructional time also helps protect that movement time from being squeezed out by academic and testing pressures. Together, these changes move Kansas schools toward MAHA’s vision of real food plus daily activity as the default for kids.