What is Smart Snacks?
As part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) included guidelines for "competitive foods" known as Smart Snacks for all foods and beverages sold to students throughout the school day. The new Smart Snacks guidelines apply to "competitive foods" that are not a part of the School Breakfast Program or National School Lunch Program. Smart Snacks rules set limits on calories, fats, sugar and sodium and encourage the consumption of dairy, whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables.
More Resources
National PTA has officially launched our Smart Snacks webpage where you can find many resources regarding Smart Snacks. You can access these resources PTA.org/SmartSnacks.
A number of tools and resources are available to help schools identify food items that meet Smart Snacks criteria. See the resources for info about the Smart Snacks requirement, helpful tools and ways to encourage children to make healthier snack choices that give them the nutrition they need to grow and learn on the USDA website.
View a recording of the Smart Snacks Overview webinar and click download the Powerpoint presentation. If your state or local PTA would like a web or in-person training, please email schoolfoods@pta.org. For additional resources and more info on Smart Snacks, please visit PTA.org/SmartSnacks.
