New School Guidelines: Healthy Food Mandate Sparks Nationwide Change

Starting from March 29, 2025, public schools across the nation will only offer healthy food options to students, as announced by Public Education Secretary, Mario Delgado. During a recent press conference, Delgado highlighted the upcoming implementation of new guidelines promoting healthy living in public schools.

President Claudia Sheinbaum supported this initiative, encouraging the consumption of natural foods over processed ones. Despite current regulations prohibiting the sale of junk food in schools, the Secretary of Education revealed that 98 percent of schools still sell such products. Additionally, 95 percent sell sugary drinks, 79 percent offer soft drinks, and 77 percent have external vendors selling unauthorized products.

In the months leading up to the enforcement of these new guidelines, those responsible for school cooperatives will undergo training to understand what can and cannot be sold. This action is critical, as 5.7 million public elementary school students and 10.4 million students aged 12 to 19 are currently suffering from obesity. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency to modify food consumption and physical activity habits.

President Sheinbaum also emphasized the importance of parental involvement in this initiative. She urged parents to provide their children with healthy homemade meals, reinforcing the school's efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle.