Smart Snacks
Federal Smart Snack Guidelines
Smart Snacks are nutrition standards based on scientific research that dictate the food and beverages that can be provided to students during the school day. These guidelines apply to all a la carte items, competitive foods, fundraisers, and classroom snacks served to students. It's important to note that Smart Snacks do not apply to food sold outside of the school day, such as during weekends or off-campus fundraising events. As per the USDA rules, the "school day" starts at midnight and lasts until 30 minutes after the last bell. Apart from the legal requirements, the District should also establish age-appropriate guidelines for food and beverages served during classroom parties, school celebrations, and competitive events. These guidelines must align with the Smart Snacks in School guidelines specified by the USDA, especially when school-sponsored fundraising activities involve the selling or serving of food. The following guidelines shall apply:
Competitive foods are food and beverages sold or made available to students that compete with the school’s operation of the NSLP, SBP, and/or after-school care program (ASCP). This includes but is not limited to, food and beverages sold or provided in vending machines, in school stores, or as part of school fundraisers during the school day.
Elementary schools: Not allowed to be provided to students anywhere on school grounds throughout the school day except for those items made available by the school food service department.
Middle schools: Not allowed to be provided to students anywhere on school grounds from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after meal periods.
High schools: Not allowed to be provided to students during meal periods in areas where reimbursable meals are served and consumed.
Fundraisers sold at school shall follow the guidelines set by the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools.
Elementary classrooms may serve one nutritious snack per day in the morning or afternoon (not during meal times) under the teacher’s guidance. The classroom snack may be provided by school nutrition staff members, teachers, parents, or other groups and should be at no cost to students. Snacks provided to students shall be in accordance with the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools Standards. The only exception shall be for parents, who may provide any type of snack(s) they wish for their child only. A list of authorized snacks shall be available upon request and as a link on the District’s website on the school nutrition page.
To see if your snack is compliant with the Smart Snacks Guidelines click >>> https://foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org/calculator/
Eagle Pass ISD does not sell or market food items to students that do not meet Smart Snacks standards.
A parent/legal guardian or grandparent may bring in any food product (cakes/cupcakes) for his or her child’s birthday.
It shall not:
* Require the teacher to stop instruction to allow for the birthday party;
* Allow the parents/legal guardians or grandparents a right of access to the classroom; or
* Allow balloons, decorations, gifts, Etc.
The principals shall have discretion on when to allow the consumption of the food products. The food products cannot be consumed or provided to students during meal periods or in areas where reimbursable meals are served and consumed. Parents must contact campus administrators to make arrangements for the distribution of food items.