ARTICLE 1. Nutrition Education [8990. - 8997.]

Cal. Education Code - EDC 1.
in effect

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 8990. Section 8990.

The Legislature encourages nutritional education instructional activities that comply with all of the following: (a) They emphasize the appealing aspects of healthy eating. (b) They are participatory, developmentally appropriate, and enjoyable. (c) They engage families as partners in their children’s education. (d) They encourage teachers responsible for nutrition education, who have received nutrition instruction during their credentialing program, to be adequately prepared and regularly participate in professional development activities to effectively deliver the nutrition education program as planned. Preparation and professional development activities should provide basic knowledge of nutrition, combined with skill practice in program-specific activities and instructional techniques and strategies designed to promote healthy eating habits.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 8993. Section 8993.

The Legislature encourages school instructional staff to do the following: (a) Be informed about the negative consequences of using food as a reward and of withholding food from pupils as punishment. (b) The need to closely coordinate with the food service program and other components of the school health program in order to integrate nutrition concepts into the instruction of other subject areas. (c) Cooperate with other agencies and community groups to provide opportunities for pupil volunteer work related to nutrition, such as assisting with food recovery efforts and preparing nutritious meals for house-bound people. (d) Collaborate with agencies and groups conducting nutrition education in the community to send consistent messages to pupils and their families. Guest speakers invited to address pupils shall receive appropriate orientation to the relevant policies of the district. (e) Disseminate information to parents, guardians, pupils, and staff about community programs that offer nutrition assistance to families. (f) Model healthy eating behaviors.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 8995. Section 8995.

The Legislature encourages school administrations to do the following: (a) Offer wellness programs that include personalized instruction about healthy eating and physical activity. (b) Ensure that the nutrition services, health services, and social services children need in order to learn are provided at the schoolsite or in cooperation with other community agencies.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 8996. Section 8996.

As used in this article the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” means the current set of recommendations of the federal government that are designed to help people choose diets that will meet nutrient requirements, promote health, support active lives, and reduce chronic disease risks. (b) “Nutrition education” means a planned sequential instructional program that provides knowledge and teaches skills to help pupils adopt and maintain lifelong, healthy eating patterns.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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