Important Update: Arizona Healthy Schools Act (A.R.S. 15-242.01)

Dear Florence Unified School District Families,

The Florence Unified School District is committed to providing healthy learning environments while complying with new state laws. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, all Arizona public schools participating in the federal school meal program must follow the requirements of the Arizona Healthy Schools Act.

What Parents Need to Know

The new law changes what foods may be served, sold, or distributed to students during the school day.

Parents may continue to:

• Pack any lunch, snack, or treat they choose for their own child.

Parents may not:

• Bring food containing any of the state's prohibited ingredients to distribute to other students during classroom celebrations, birthday parties, holiday events, or any other school-day activity.

This requirement applies to food brought by:

• Parents and guardians

• Visitors

• Volunteers

• Community organizations

• Outside vendors

Classroom Celebrations

Florence Unified School District values celebrating our students' special milestones. 

Many classrooms may also choose to celebrate with non-food items such as:

• Books donated to the classroom

• Pencils or stickers

• Bookmarks

• Educational games or activities

• Special classroom recognition

Why This Change?

The Arizona Healthy Schools Act was adopted to reduce student exposure to certain food additives and promote healthier school environments. The law identifies eleven ingredients that cannot be included in foods distributed to students during the school day.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we implement these new state requirements. By working together, we can continue creating fun and memorable classroom celebrations while remaining compliant with Arizona law.

For more details on Arizona Healthy Schools Act (House Bill 2164) please visit The Basics of the Arizona Healthy Food Act online. 

If you have questions, please contact your child's teacher directly, school office or you can submit your questions at ASK@fusdaz.org.

Together, we appreciate your partnership in supporting healthy, safe learning environments for all students.