New York City is changing the menus at public schools, hospitals, and day programs for seniors to include more nutrition and remove diet soda and food dyes. The changes impact 11 municipal agencies serving residents.

The City’s Department of Health and the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy on Tuesday said they updated the New York City Food Standards for Meals and Snacks Purchased and Served, first passed in 2008. The City says the new standards for city schools, hospitals, adult care and other facilities are designed to reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, “by increasing access to healthy foods.”

The updated standards take effect July 1, 2026, impacting more than one million New Yorkers and 219 million meals and snacks, including s

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