MESA, AZ – Arizona State Representative Leo Biasiucci, who championed the Hobbs-vetoed House Bill HB2165 prohibiting the use of SNAP benefits to purchase unhealthy or non-food items (alcohol, vitamins, pet food, etc.), remains dedicated to improving health among Arizona children. Since that veto, Biasiucci has crafted several bills addressing health and fitness issues and was recently spotted at a forum hosted by The Vital Choice Project, a nonprofit organization emphasizing disease prevention in medical schools. For Biasiucci, the event was more than a one-off appearance—it was a chance to amplify a movement that he believes is gaining unstoppable momentum.

The event in Mesa, titled “You Can Do It Healthy,” featured comedian Rob Schneider and chef Andrew Gruel and was all about advocacy for cleaner, healthier living. Biasiucci stated that he was there to continue being a staunch advocate for Arizona’s families, driven by both personal experience and a sense of legislative responsibility, in an exclusive statement to the Arizona Globe.

“I have a 2-year-old daughter; anyone who has children knows everything changes once you become a parent. It’s a big deal knowing what I’m feeding her and putting into her body. Traveling abroad was a real eye-opener, looking at the difference between ingredients in Italy and throughout Europe versus the ingredients of the same products here. They don’t have the toxic ingredients we have. Now that we have the data to back this stuff up and the fact that I’m an elected official who can do something, it’s a no-brainer that I come to events like this to support the cause and spread awareness.”

The gathering drew a diverse crowd united by The Vital Choice Project’s mission to empower future healthcare professionals with tools to promote ethical, healing-focused practices as opposed to an approach that renders patients dependent on drugs and debilitating treatment options.

Garret Pagel, the founder of the project, said his organization is dedicated to reshaping healthcare and emphasizing education and nutrition as pillars of change. Through nationwide college chapters, The Vital Choice Project (TVCP) works alongside students—future doctors, nurses, and leaders in the medical community to “re-prioritize patient well-being over profit.” The Mesa event highlighted these values, with Schneider’s comedic insights, free healthy snacks, and Gruel’s cooking demonstrations to underscore the accessibility of healthy living.

“The fact that I’m an elected official who can do something, it’s a no-brainer that I come to events like this to support the cause and spread awareness,” Biasiucci said. “For future leaders, doctors, and nurses, it’s important we’re getting the best food possible. I thought it would be a conversation piece, but it turned into this incredible movement.”

For Biasiucci, supporting TVCP is part of a larger mission to address systemic issues such as food toxicity, which he views as critical to Arizona’s future.