The Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards support better health for our kids and echo the good work already taking place in schools across the country. The new standards preserve flexibility for time-honored traditions like fundraisers and bake sales, and provide ample transition time for schools. USDA is committed to working closely with students, parents, school stakeholders and the food and beverage industries to implement the new guidelines, and make the healthy choice the easy choice for America’s young people.
Highlights of the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards include:
— More of the foods we should encourage.
— Less of the foods we should avoid.
— Targeted beverage standards allowing variation by age group.
— Flexibility for important traditions.
— Ample time for implementation.
“Many parents are working hard every day to make sure they provide healthy, balanced meals and snacks to their kids. Unfortunately, we don’t always have control over the snacks our kids have access to when they’re away from home. That’s why, as a mom myself, I am so excited that schools will now be offering healthier choices to students and reinforcing the work we do at home to help our kids stay healthy.”
— First Lady Michelle Obama
Are school districts able to maintain standards as outlined by the government with their support and available funding at the district level? Are most school districts struggling to afford smart choices without the need for fundraisers and bake sales?
Do fundraisers close the gap and help districts stay within budget while still offering choices students can afford? Share your insights by leaving a comment below!
Source: USDA Food & Nutrition Service – http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/smart-snacks-school
