Student Snacks

Smart Snacks

By Emily Birch

In 2014, a program called Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act was implemented in all schools around the United States. Smart Snacks changes food and snacks in a la carte, in the school store, vending machines, and any other venues. As of June 30, 2017, it’s only affecting the Early Childhood Learning Center, the Primary building, and the Ray Miller. It has changed the lunch menu slightly by implementing more fruits and vegetables as well as snacks that used to be distributed in class. Though not many students are thrilled with Smart Snacks change, it insures that children can stick to diets they have at home and will avoid foods they are allergic to.

The hope is that if the children eat these foods at a younger age, they will eat healthier as a growing teen and to lessen the chances of childhood obesity and diabetes. Things like lunch recesses were introduced in order to give the children more time to eat. “Lunch recesses, which allowed the students to play after 10-15 minutes of eating, has been taken away because the students would eat quickly or say they were done just to go out as quick as they can,” says Mr. Motley from the Kirksville Primary.

Instead of cupcakes and ice cream for birthdays and parties, parents of students can bring in reduced/low fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, goldfish, fruit bars, and many more food items. Another set of treats you can purchase through the school is fruits, veggies and many other types. Though once a month the classes are permitted one treat. This new change has asked teachers to stop burning candles and wax melters so students with scent sensitivities are not bothered.

The nutritional limits for snack items cannot surpass 200 calories and 200 milligrams of sodium. Snacks must contain no more than 35 percent trans fat as well as total sugars for snacks. For bigger meals such as entrees, the limits are no more than 350 calories and no more than 480 milligrams of sodium.