New Rules for Healthier Snacks in Schools

In June 2013, the USDA released its interim final rules for healthier snack foods in schools. The new guidelines  cover snacks and beverages sold in the “a la carte” line in the cafeteria, but it doesn't end there. They also cover vending machines, snack carts and school stores. There are allowances for class celebrations and a certain number of in-school fundraisers per year.                                            

Some of the rules:

1. Calories – USDA allows 200 calories per portion

2. Sodium – For the first two years of implementation, the sodium limit is 230 mg. For the

2016-17 school year, the USDA sodium limit will be reduced to 200 mg.

3.Snacks to be rich in whole grains, have real food as a first ingredient, and provide nutritional value.

4 Drinking water to be available to all students at no cost

.4. Other beverages – USDA sets a limit of 40 calories/8 oz. with a 12 oz. serving size limit.

5. Time of day – USDA guidelines are in effect from midnight until 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.

6. Fundraisers – USDA allows infrequent school-sponsored fundraisers during the school day that do not meet the guidelines. State agencies will be allowed to set the frequency of fundraising The Alliance guidelines cover all in-school fundraisers.

There will be a ninety day period where the public can comment on the rules before they can take effect. You can bet some food companies will be lobbying to get these rules changed. Hopefully the USDA will continue to consider childrens health over corporate profits.

In other news -

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has just released a report recommending that USDA ease off on restricting the amount of meat and grains allowed in the school meal standards that went into effect this year.  Apparently, USDA agrees. GAO reports are usually requested by members of Congress.  Rep. Kristi Noem joined House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Representative Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) in requesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on the new school lunch standards that are being implemented for the first time this year. It would be nice if congress wasn’t being run by big business and was more interested in the health of our children.