Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Regulations
Food Fundraisers "Smart Snacks" Regulations
What Are “Competitive Foods”?
“Competitive Foods” refers to all food and beverages SOLD to students on school campus during the school day, other than meals reimbursable under government programs. Effective July 1, 2014, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a memorandum to inform State agencies and School Food Authorities (SFAs) that USDA no longer provide waivers once these rules went into effect.
Snack Smart, Snack Healthy (THE RULE)
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,” was 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
More on Fundraisers in Texas Schools
TDA analyzed the potential impacts of USDA’s Competitive Rule requirements in light of Texas Laws and the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy. Schools may 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 camps 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.
These rules DO NOT apply to food given to students for free or brought by the student for their own consumption.
WHERE DO DO THE STANDARDS APPLY?
A Short Explanation | ||
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Prior to 7/1/12 | Required Changes Starting 7/1/12 | |
Complete LUNCH Meal |
Students choose a minimum of three of the offered items:
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Students choose a minimum of three of the five offered items. One item MUST include a 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable
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Each child must choose from three of the above items offered to have chosen a complete meal. |
Each child may NOW choose: One of variety of entrees -
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Portion sizes have minimum requirements only | At a minimum, each child MUST now choose at least 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable and two other items that are offered each day. | |
Children can have as much of each as they want |
Prior to these changes, our food service program has exceeded the nutritional requirements mandated by the USDA. The biggest changes this year :
- The protein portion sizes MUST be reduced to a maximum of 2 ounces in Kindergarten through 8th grade and 2.4 ounces in high school
- The fruit and vegetable offerings need to be featured in the serving lines instead of being the final choice of the meal.
There are additional changes that will be implemented throughout this year and the coming years. We will continue to send communications regarding these changes prior to implementing.