Smart Snacks in Schools

  • Smart Snacks in Schools is a rule established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that establishes nutrition standards for ALL foods sold on campus between the hours of midnight to a half hour after the end of the school day. 

    Foods must:

    • Be a whole grain-rich product; or
    • List a fruit, vegetable, dairy product, or protein food as the first ingredient; or
    • Be a combination food that contains at least 1/4 cup of fruit and/or vegetables.

    Foods must meet these nutrient requirements:

    • Calories: ≤ 175 for Elementary Schools and ≤ 200 for Middle/High Schools
    • Sodium ≤ 200 mg
    • Fats: Total fat ≤ 35%, saturated fat ≤ 10%, and trans fat < 0.5 g per serving
    • Sugar limit: ≤ 35% of sugar by weight

    Beverages sold/served options:

    • Plain water (with/without carbonation)
    • Milk: Unflavored low-fat milk or unflavored/flavored fat-free milk and milk alternatives
    • 100% fruit and/or vegetable juice (may be diluted with water and contain no added sweeteners)