Arizona Healthy Schools Act: What It Means for School Treats

If you’re planning a classroom celebration, school event or student activity in Arizona, you may have heard about the Arizona Healthy Schools Act (HB 2164).

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Arizona public schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs may no longer serve, sell or allow third parties to sell foods containing certain ingredients during the regular school day.

The law identifies 11 restricted ingredients, including several commonly used artificial food dyes: Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3, along with titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, propylparaben and brominated vegetable oil.

What Does This Mean for School Celebrations?

The requirements extend beyond the cafeteria.

Depending on the circumstances and your school's policies, they can affect foods provided for classroom celebrations, birthdays, school events, incentives and fundraisers during the school day.

That doesn't mean the fun—or the cookies—has to disappear!

Goodies by Max Can Help 🍪

At Goodies by Max, we offer a selection of natural food colorings and can work with schools, teachers and organizations that need cookies made without the ingredients restricted by the Arizona Healthy Schools Act.

Want to know what goes into our cookies? Visit our What’s in My Cookies? ingredient & allergen page to learn more about our ingredients, dye-free colors and allergen information.

Whether you're planning decorated cookies, a school celebration or a cookie decorating activity, let us know that your order needs to meet your school's ingredient requirements when you inquire. We'll work with you to create an option that is both fun and appropriate for your event.

Because individual schools and districts may have additional food policies beyond the state law, we always recommend confirming your school's specific requirements before ordering.

School treats can still be colorful, creative and delicious—even without artificial food dyes! 🌿🍪