Guidelines for Foods Offered Outside the
National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs
All schools in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District serve nutritious meals each school day. A well-balanced diet affects not only the health of the student, but his/her academic progress as well. The T/E Food and Nutrition Services Department follows the Federal National School Breakfast and Lunch Program Regulations and complies with Federal Nutrition Standards under the Federal Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. The school meal program is under the supervision of the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services. In the operation of the Food and Nutrition Service’s program, no child will be discriminated against regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap/disability.
The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to student's physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. The District is committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education and physical activity as part of the total learning experience.
The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act is an all-encompassing Federal Act that recently implemented “Smart Snack” guidelines for “competitive” foods sold within the time designated as the school day. According to the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, the school day is considered to be midnight (12:00AM) until 30 minutes after the bell rings at the end of the school day. These administrative guidelines took effect on July 1, 2014, and are established for foods offered outside the Federal National School Breakfast and Lunch programs. This includes ala carte foods, snacks, beverages, vending food and beverage, fund raisers, classroom parties/holiday celebrations/snacks and also student rewards and school stores.
The snacks/beverages that we are included have been termed “competitive” foods. The term “competitive” foods includes all foods and beverages sold to students:
- Outside the school meal programs;
- On the school campus; and
- At any time during the school day.
Ingredient Rules:
Any “competitive” food sold must be a
- Fruit,
- Vegetable,
- Dairy Product,
- Protein-rich food (meats, beans, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds),
- Whole-grain rich food (first ingredient is a whole grain or product is >50% whole grains by weight), or
- Combo food that has at least ¼ cup fruit and/or ¼ cup vegetable
Nutrient Standards:
All “competitive” foods must meet each of the following nutrient limits:
- Calories
- Max 200 calories for snacks and sides
- Max 350 calories for entrees (outside the school lunch program)
- Sugar
- Max 35% sugar by weight (some exceptions are dried fruits and vegetables with no added sweeteners)
- Sodium
- Max 230mg sodium for snacks
- Fat
- Fat: Max 35% calories from fat (as packaged or served)
- Saturated Fat: max 10% calories from fat (as packaged or served)
- Trans Fat: 0% as served
Beverage Rules:
- Size Limits
- Elementary Schools: 8 ounces
- Middle and High Schools: 12 ounces
- Caffeine is only permitted in the High School.
All grades may offer/give/serve/sell:
- Water or carbonated water
- Unflavored low-fat milk, flavored or unflavored fat-free milk and soy milk alternatives
- 100% fruit of vegetable juice
