Healthy Eating Takes Smart Policy: Our Top Priorities
April 17, 2026
Over the past few generations, the way we eat has changed in ways that can harm our health. Unhealthy foods are often cheaper, sold in larger portions and easier to find, while many families struggle to access healthy, affordable foods and drinks. Every child deserves nutritious options at home, at school and in their community.
That’s why the American Heart Association supports smart nutrition policies that promote healthy eating in schools and workplaces, encourage restaurants, food companies and stores to offer healthier, more affordable choices—especially in rural and underserved communities—and provide clear guidance to help people make informed decisions.
Healthy School Meals for All
When children have access to free, healthy school meals, hunger goes down and learning improves. After pandemic waivers ended, many families lost this lifeline—but several states have stepped up to make sure all students can eat well at school.
Why it matters: Healthy school meals help children focus, learn, and grow—no matter their family’s income.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP helps families afford food by providing monthly benefits to use at grocery stores and farmers markets. SNAP incentive programs stretch those dollars further by doubling benefits when families buy vegetables and fruit.
Why it matters: SNAP and incentives make healthy food more affordable for families while supporting local farmers.
Produce Prescription Programs
Produce Prescription programs allow health care providers to prescribe vegetables and fruit to people who are food insecure or at risk for diet-related diseases. These programs improve health by making nutritious food part of medical care.
Why it matters: Food can help prevent and manage chronic disease.
Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program
When school is out, many children lose access to school meals. Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, provides families with grocery benefits during summer months to help fill the gap.
Why it matters: Summer EBT reduces hunger so kids can stay healthy when school meals aren’t available.
Healthier Options at Restaurants
Many kids’ meals at restaurants are high in added sugars, salt and unhealthy fats. Policies can help make healthier options the default by offering water or milk instead of sugary drinks and adding vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.
Why it matters: Healthy defaults help children build better eating habits for life.
Nutrient Warning Labels: Informed Dining
Some restaurant meals contain more sodium or added sugars than recommended for an entire day. Warning labels on menus give clear information when items are very high in salt or added sugars.
Why it matters: Clear labels help people make informed choices and encourage healthier menu options.
Sugary Drink Taxes
Sugary drinks are a major source of added sugars for children and increase the risk of serious health problems. Taxes on sugary drinks reduce consumption and raise funds for community health priorities.
Why it matters: Promoting healthier drinks protects kids’ health and reinvests in communities.
Take Action for Healthier Food
These policies work best when people speak up. Learn how you can support healthy food policies, share your story and take action to help make healthy eating easier for families and communities across the country.