By: Nikki Nies
Smart Snacks in School supports better health for children across America while limiting access to junk food. The USDA states they’re committed to working closely with students, parents, stakeholders, and food industries to help with the change in the new dietary guidelines.
With the new guidelines implemented in 2010, children are served more meals that include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Nutrition Guidelines for Smart Snacks in School :
- Any food sold must be deemed “whole grain rich” if a carbohydrate OR the first ingredient must be a dairy, fruit, vegetable or protein rich food OR must be a combination food that contain at least 1/4 cup of fruit and/or vegetables OR contains 10% of Daily Value (DV) of one of the nutrient of public health concern in 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (i.e. calcium, potassium, vitamin D or dietary fiber)
- Allowed to sell plain water with or without carbonation; unflavored low fat milk; unflavored or flavored fat free milk and milk alternatives that are permitted by National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program; 100% fruit or vegetable juice; 100% fruit or vegetable juice diluted with water with no added sweeteners; elementary schools may sell up to 8 oz. drink portions; middle school and high schools may sell up to 12 oz. portions of milk and juice
| Calorie Limits |
Sodium Limits |
Fat Limits | Sugar Limits | |
| Snack Items | ≤200 calories | ≤230 mg | ||
| Entrée items | ≤350 calories | ≤480 mg | ||
| Total Fat | ≤35% of calories | |||
| Saturated Fat | <10% of calories | |||
| Trans fat | 0 grams | |||
| ≤35% of weight from total sugars in food |
Smart Snacks in School is committed to instilling healthier habits in students across America. Small changes can really make a difference!
Sources: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/allfoods.htm
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2013/06/0134.xml
Click to access allfoods_flyer.pdf
wedishnutrition.wordpress.com 