• Nutrition Standards Frequently Asked Questions

    What do the new “Smart Snacks in School” nutrition standards do?
    • The new standards will allow schools to offer healthier snack foods for our children
    • Students will still 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

    How will food and beverages options be impacted by the new standards? What products will be in, and what products will be out?
    • First, it is important to note that the new standards do NOT apply to foods brought to school in bagged lunches
    • Vending Machines- Products will need to be compliant if the machine is on before school and after school
    • Snack Room- Products will need to be compliant if the store is open before school and after school

    How will the new standards affect fundraising by school groups?
    • All foods that meet the standards could be sold during fundraisers during school hours, however, they are not allowed to be sold in the cafeteria during breakfast or lunch service
    • Collecting orders for a fundraiser product that will not be sold during the school day will not be affected
    • The standards do NOT apply to items sold during non-school hours, weekends, or off-campus fundraising events, such as concessions during sporting events and school plays.

    Do these standards impact curriculum in school?
    • The Smart Snacks nutrition standards have NO impact on the culinary education programs’ curriculum in schools