Assemblyman James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, has introduced Assembly Bill 2535 to prioritize California-grown whole foods in school meals and state food policies. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman James Gallagher

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Assemblyman James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, has introduced legislation that would prioritize California-grown whole foods in school meals and update state policy to promote access to locally produced food.

Assembly Bill 2535 would revise the state’s Healthy Food Access Policy to declare that every person has the right to sufficient locally grown and raised, affordable and healthy food. The bill would direct state agencies, including the Department of Food and Agriculture, Department of Education and Department of Public Health, to prioritize California-grown products when updating policies, regulations and grant criteria related to food distribution.

According to the bill’s findings, ultra processed foods account for more than two-thirds of calories consumed by U.S. children. Health experts link high consumption of those foods to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

“California produces the healthiest, safest, and most sustainable food in the world—right here in our own fields,” Gallagher said. “Our kids deserve school meals built around these real, locally grown whole foods, not ultra-processed products loaded with sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives. AB 2535 puts California agriculture at the center of the solution: better nutrition for children, stronger family farms, and a more secure food future for everyone.”

The measure builds on prior legislation, including AB 1264 in 2025, aimed at improving school nutrition and supporting local agriculture.