Snack smart. Snack healthy.

 The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act required the USDA to establish nutrition standards all foods and beverages sold to students outside of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program meals on the school campus during the school day.

 USDA’s interim final rule “Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School,” is effective July 1, 2014. These science-based nutrition standards promote a healthy school environment and apply to all foods sold, such as:

  • A la carte cafeteria sales
  • School stores
  • Snack bars
  • Vending machines
  • Fundraisers

The Texas Department of Agriculture has created and collected resources to aid schools in providing healthy snack options for all Texas students.

  

Fundraisers in Texas

 Over the last few months TDA has analyzed the potential impacts of USDA’s Competitive Rule requirements in light of Texas Laws and the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy. Schools will be allowed to have unlimited fundraisers as long as the fundraisers adhere to the federal Competitive Rule (i.e. Smart Snacks) requirements. Food items that do not meet the Competitive Rule requirements must be sold outside of the school day. The following are additional examples of allowable fundraisers that may occur during the school day:
  • Any non-food items
  • Any food items not meant for consumption on the school campus during the school day (e.g. cookie dough to be prepared at home)
  • Any food item sold after the end of the school day (e.g. 30 minutes after the end of instruction on campus)
  • Food items sold in concession stands after the end of the school day (e.g. 30 minutes after the end of instruction on campus)
  • Any food items that meet the federal Competitive rule requirements

 

Exempt Fundraisers

   Texas schools who participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program may sell food and/or beverages as part a fundraiser that does not meet the Competitive Foods Nutritional Standards during the school day for up to six (6) days per school year on each school campus. These foods may not be sold in an area where program meals are sold or consumed.