Taxpayer-funded school ingredients become ultra-processed junk food through government program
Nearly half of USDA commodity foods allocated to schools are sent to private manufacturers for processing, often becoming ultra-processed products linked to obesity, diabetes and cancer.
Researchers found school food systems prioritize commercial interests over children’s health, with ultra-processed foods accounting for up to 40% of some districts’ food purchases.
Ultra-processed foods can trigger addictive responses in the brain similar to cigarettes and cocaine, with 14% of adults and 12% of children showing signs of food addiction.
Federal nutrition standards focus on nutrients rather than degree of processing, allowing ultra-processed products to qualify for school meals.
Schools lack kitchen infrastructure, staffing and funding to prepare fresh, minimally processed meals, forcing reliance on convenient processed alternatives.
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