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LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA
ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE BILL 1194
Introduced by Storer, 43; Andersen, 49; Bosn, 25; DeKay, 40; Ibach, 44;
Kauth, 31; Meyer, F., 41; Strommen, 47.
Read first time January 21, 2026
Committee: Health and Human Services
A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to public health and welfare; to adopt the1
Real Food Act; and to provide an operative date.2
Be it enacted by the people of the State of Nebraska,3
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Section 1. Sections 1 to 5 of this act shall be known and may be1
cited as the Real Food Act. 2
Sec. 2. (1) The Legislature finds that: (a) A significant portion3
of the population suffers from chronic diseases linked to poor dietary4
habits; and (b) a concerted effort to prioritize nutrient-dense whole5
foods can dramatically improve the health trajectory of the state.6
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature to: (a) Formally adopt7
state-level dietary guidelines based on current nutritional science; (b)8
promote educational initiatives to support individuals and families in9
adopting healthier dietary practices; and (c) enhance food security and10
support state and local agriculture. 11
Sec. 3. For purposes of the Real Food Act, dietary guidelines means12
a whole food framework customized to individuals and families, taking13
into consideration an individual's or family's needs, preferences, and14
financial status. 15
Sec. 4. The state's dietary guidelines for public health promotion16
are: 17
(1) High-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods shall be prioritized18
in every meal. This includes a variety of animal sources, including red19
meat, eggs, poultry, seafood, and plant-sourced protein foods, including20
beans, peas, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy;21
(2) The bulk of fat consumption shall be encouraged from whole food22
sources, including meats, poultry, eggs, omega 3–rich seafood, nuts,23
seeds, full-fat dairy products, olives, and avocados. Nutrient-dense24
natural options with essential fatty acids shall be recommended for25
cooking; 26
(3) Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and27
fruits as foundational components of daily meals shall be encouraged.28
Whole vegetables and fruits in their original form shall be prioritized,29
including appropriate washing prior to consumption when eaten raw or30
before cooking. Frozen, dried, or canned vegetables and fruits with no,31
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or limited, added sugars may also be encouraged as nutritious and1
accessible options. Consumption of a broad range of vegetable types and2
fruit varieties shall be promoted to support overall nutrient intake;3
(4) Consumption of dairy foods shall be encouraged as an important4
component of a nutrient-dense diet. When consuming dairy, individuals5
shall be directed to include full-fat dairy products with no added6
sugars. Dairy is recognized as an excellent source of protein, healthy7
fats, vitamins, and minerals. Recommended options include milk, cheese,8
yogurt, and other dairy products in forms consistent with individual9
dietary needs and preferences; and 10
(5) Fiber-rich whole grains shall be prioritized to significantly11
reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates. 12
Sec. 5. (1) The Department of Health and Human Services, the13
Department of Agriculture, and the State Department of Education may14
develop and implement a statewide public awareness campaign to educate15
residents on the importance of adhering to the dietary guidelines16
described in section 4 of this act. 17
(2) All state agencies involved in public nutrition, school lunch18
programs, and health care services shall update educational materials to19
align with the dietary guidelines described in section 4 of this act20
including identification of foods commonly produced in Nebraska. Updates21
to educational materials shall be implemented during the next scheduled22
revision cycle. 23
(3) All state agencies involved in public nutrition, school lunch24
programs, and health care services may establish partnerships with local25
governments, health care providers, educators, and community leaders to26
promote adherence to the dietary guidelines described in section 4 of27
this act. 28
Sec. 6. This act becomes operative on January 1, 2027.29
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