"Smart Snacks In School" are the USDA's new snack and beverage rules for school. Snacks and beverages that are sold apart from the National School Lunch Program ("NSLP") are called "competitive foods" because they compete with federally-reimbursed meals for student spending.
The "Smart Snacks In School" rules have two components for snacks -- one is a restriction on the ingredients of the snacks, which favors whole grains, dairy, fruit, vegetables and other protein sources (like beans); the other component sets specific nutrient limits. To see more on the specifics, please visit my "The Specifics" page.
Which Schools Must Comply?
All schools that are a part of the National School Lunch Program.
When Do Schools Need to Comply?
July 1, 2014.
Can Schools Make Their Own Rules?
Schools may keep their own rules should they be
stricter than Smart Snacks In School, or enhance these rules to make them even more stringent.
For example, California has sugar limits for its drinks and Smart Snacks In
School rules do not, so, depending on the California Department of Education, CA
schools may keep their own beverage standards.
If a State Does Not Set a # of Fundraising Exemptions, How Many Will Be Allowed?
No exemptions.
What are the Time Restrictions? Do the Old Ones Still Apply?
To clarify, the new rules get rid of the old time and place restrictions. The new standards apply up until 30 min after the end of the school day. Compliant foods can be sold any time. Foods that don't meet the standards could be sold 30 min after school ends, such as in evening events at schools.
Are These Rules Controversial? What are the Time Restrictions? Do the Old Ones Still Apply?
To clarify, the new rules get rid of the old time and place restrictions. The new standards apply up until 30 min after the end of the school day. Compliant foods can be sold any time. Foods that don't meet the standards could be sold 30 min after school ends, such as in evening events at schools.
Thus far, these rules have not been too controversial and have received praise from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, The Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Let's Move! campaign. The most controversial thing about the rules is the fact that dairy plays such a large role and some say the sugar limits, since they're by weight not calories, are still too lenient. See the Huffington Post article here that passes a critical eye on the rules.
What Role Does the USDA Play In School Food?
According to food-politics-centered blog, Fooducate, here, The USDA has oversight of school food in 2 aspects:
- "Free and reduced lunch programs – serving over 30 million kids daily, and adhering to strict nutrition guidelines (but not always quality)
- Competitive foods – those snacks sold in vending machines and kiosks, available to all children in school."
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