Democrat Stands Alone: Town Council Votes to Back Arizona Healthy Schools Act

By Staff Reporter |

Maricopa County’s Fountain Hills Town Council is facing a division over the Arizona Healthy Schools Act (HB2164), a legislative effort aimed at improving food quality in public schools. Initially, the council expressed unanimous support for the bill in a recent meeting, signaling a collective commitment to supporting healthier options for students.

However, the unity was short-lived. After the meeting concluded, council member Peggy McMahon, a Democrat, withdrew her support for the legislation, which led to disappointment among her peers. Despite her decision, the motion to issue the letter of support still passed, marking a notable moment of contention within the council.

Vice Mayor Hannah Toth expressed her dismay publicly on X, stating, “Welp, that was a short-lived beautiful moment of unity for the health of our children. Peggy McMahon pulled her support now that the cameras are off, so I guess we’ll edit this tweet to say ‘the council majority.’ What can ya do.” Her remarks underscored the struggle for cohesion among council members regarding this health initiative.

During the meeting, Toth highlighted the significance of the bill, noting that the U.S. remains one of the few developed nations not to prohibit certain harmful ingredients in food products. “These are all chemicals linked to behavioral issues, cancer, and autism,” she emphasized, asserting that collective community support is essential for securing a healthier future for children.

The Arizona Healthy Schools Act, introduced by Republican State Rep. Leo Biasiucci, aims to restrict public schools from serving “ultraprocessed” foods and drinks during school hours, identifying specific harmful ingredients that the bill seeks to ban. The proposed legislation also restricts third-party sales of such items on school grounds, directing the Arizona Department of Education to oversee compliance with the new rules.

The bill recently garnered bipartisan approval in the House Education Committee, reflecting broad support for this initiative intended to curb the growing health crisis faced by American youth. This effort aligns with a national movement led by Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who champions measures aimed at reducing chronic disease rates among children.

The developments in Fountain Hills illustrate the ongoing debate over public health policies in Arizona, as local leaders continue to navigate differing perspectives on legislative support.