Committee hears wide support for SNAC Act to make gluten‑free/allergen info accessible in Massachusetts schools

The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard hours of testimony on two late‑filed bills — S.2927 and H.5012 — aimed at ensuring students with celiac disease can safely participate in Massachusetts' universal school meal program by requiring schools to post existing gluten‑free and allergen information and a contact person online.

Representative Michelle Badger, who sponsored the measure in the House, told the committee the intent is to ensure ‘‘children with celiac disease can fully participate in universal free school breakfast and lunch programs.’’ She described the bill as an equity measure so that all students can trust the meals provided at school.

The committee heard from multiple young advocates and clinicians. Twelve‑year‑old Brandon Weisberg told lawmakers, “This bill would help kids like me get the information we need to stay safe at school,” describing how clear online menus, safety protocols and contact information let students participate without fear of getting sick. Naomi Corinne Bellissimo, age 9, and Wellesley College student Elise Baier offered similar accounts of missed social experiences and longstanding food anxiety when information is unclear.

Clinicians described the medical stakes. Dr. Nan Du of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Celiac Disease Program said families often avoid school meals because they cannot find reliable information about ingredients, preparation and whom to contact. "When families lack that information, they often choose the safest option available to them, which is to avoid school meals entirely," she said. Dr. Maureen Leonard, a pediatric gastroenterologist, noted celiac disease affects about "1 in 100 individuals" and said even small gluten exposures can cause intestinal damage and impair growth and learning. Kristen Hoyt, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and parent, described severe malnutrition in a child triggered by gluten exposure and told the committee that even "20 parts per million" can be clinically relevant.

Advocates said the data needed to comply already exist. Vanessa Weisbrode, chief education officer at the Celiac Disease Foundation, summarized a review of 294 Massachusetts public school districts: roughly two‑thirds publish some nutrition or allergen information online, but only about 17% clearly label gluten‑free menus or accommodations. She said the SNAC Act does not ask schools to collect new nutrition data required by federal programs; it would simply require districts to make existing information accessible in one place on a school webpage or digital menu platform.

Committee members praised the testimony — especially youth advocates — and asked practical questions about cross‑contamination, kitchen procedures and funding. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might address parts of the proposal through regulation; committee members discussed whether enforcement or technical support would be needed for implementation. No motion or vote was recorded at the hearing.

Senator Joan Lovely, who filed the Senate version, urged the committee to give the bill positive consideration, and Representative Badger thanked witnesses and the committee for their attention. The chairs closed the hearing without taking formal action; next steps were not specified during the session.

The hearing combined lived experience, clinical evidence and district survey data to make a case for low‑cost transparency measures intended to let students with medically necessary dietary restrictions participate in the state's universal meal program.