A bill for an act establishing a graduation requirement for instruction related to food nutrition and preparation.

SF 2253 requires all Iowa public and accredited nonpublic high schools to mandate that students complete a half-course (equivalent to one semester) of food nutrition and preparation instruction to graduate. This applies to students in grades 9-12, beginning with the 2030-2031 graduating class, though students may fulfill the requirement earlier by taking the course in 7th or 8th grade. The bill specifies that school districts will cover the cost using existing state school foundation aid, with no additional state funding required. It directly affects all Iowa high school students and their schools by adding a new graduation requirement focused on practical nutrition and cooking skills.