An Act relative to expanding access to healthy food choices in vending machines on state property

This bill requires vending machines on Commonwealth property, such as state offices, parks, and schools, to stock food and beverages that meet specific nutritional standards set by the Department of Public Health. To allow for a gradual transition, the law establishes a phased schedule where non-blind vendors must increase the percentage of healthy options over four years, while blind vendors have a five-year timeline to reach the same goal. Additionally, the bill mandates that nutritional information be clearly displayed near these machines and that healthier items be placed in prominent locations. The Department of Public Health is tasked with creating these nutrition guidelines, which must align with federal standards, and reviewing them every five years to reflect new scientific data.