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The Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards are required by all schools that participate in the federally funded National School Lunch Program. Here are a few things that you should know.
What are Smart Snacks?
On July 1, 2014, the U.S.D.A. implemented practical, science-based nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold to students during the school day. These standards are called Smart Snacks in School and are in effect from before the start of school to 30 minutes after the official end of the school day. The standards have made healthier foods and beverages available to students across the school campus.
Why are Smart Snacks important?
Healthy, well-nourished students are better learners! Students who consume healthier foods and beverages are more likely to get the nutrients they need to learn, play, and grow. Having healthier foods and beverages available contributes to the overall health and well-being of our students.
What do parents, students, and staff need to know?
Smart Snacks apply to all foods and beverages sold to students outside the school meals programs - including vending machines, à la carte, school stores, snack carts, and in-school fundraising.
These standards are in effect all school day, across the whole school campus.
Smart Snacks do not apply to foods in events that occur in the evening, weekends, or at community events.
Healthy snacks are encouraged for classroom parties, celebrations, and rewards. Recommendations and standards provided in the Student Wellness Policy do apply.
What are the Smart Snacks standards for food?
Students will be able to buy snacks that meet common-sense standards for fat, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium - while promoting products that have whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables or protein foods as their main ingredients.
These foods include these requirements:
Be a whole-grain-rich product; or
Have as the first ingredient a fruit, vegetable, dairy product, or protein food; or
Be a “combination food” with at least ¼ cup of fruit and/or vegetables.
To read more about these standards, visit the USDA Website.
What are the Smart Snacks standards for beverages?
Plain water, milk, and 100% juice may be sold, in varying sizes, at all grade levels. Additional no-calorie and low-calorie beverage choices may be sold to students in high school only. Soda and highly caffeinated energy drinks are not available for sale to students in the high school.
Information for groups that Sell Snacks (Fundraisers)
The Food Service Director can help any groups that engage in food sales through this process. Resources, such as a Smart Snack Calculator, are available.
Food Fundraisers may not take place during the first ½ hour of the school day, nor when lunch is being served in the school building.
All food fundraisers that occur on school property during the school day will meet USDA’s Smart Snacks Standards.
Marketing, pricing, and nutrition education will be used to encourage students to make healthy choices.
Who to contact with a question?
Our school administrators will be able to help with the implementation of the USDA standards at our schools. For more information, contact the FASD Food Service Department at (814) 432-2121 Ext. 2120 or via hamiltonb@fasd.k12.pa.us
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