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Fundraising food sales and Smart Snacks regulations
As schools get ready to re-open, a clarification from USDA regarding the foods sold in fundraisers. U.S. Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Kevin Concannon says USDA is not imposing Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act snacks restrictions on bake sales or fundraisers. “USDA has given states complete authority to set policies on fundraisers and bake sales that work for them. States are free to allow fundraisers and bake sales featuring foods and beverages that don’t meet the new standards during the school day if they choose. They, not USDA, are responsible for determining the number and the frequency of these events each year.”
Concannon says even in states that choose to require fundraiser foods to meet the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, the standards only apply during the school day and do not apply to items sold at after-school sporting events and weekend events. The standards also do not apply to foods sold by band boosters, athletic boosters or other organizations meant to be consumed at home like pizzas and cookie dough. Even if those items are sold during the school day.
Schools can also choose to hold as many fundraisers as they want during the school day that feature foods that meet the Smart Snacks standards. In addition, Smart Snacks does not have any bearing on the many non-food fundraisers that take place in schools. All of these provisions apply in all states. And again, states can choose to allow fundraisers and bake sales with foods that don’t meet nutrition standards during the school day if they choose.
Concannon says Congressional intent is clear, the Smart Snacks rules are meant to improve the nutritional quality of certain foods and beverages sold in school like those in vending machines. “The law specifically directed USDA to consider special exemptions for school-sponsored fundraisers involving food.” Foods brought to school in bagged lunches and treats for time-honored events like birthday parties, holidays and special events are also not impacted by the standards.
Why not have same standards for everyone–all programs–all organizations the same at all times in schools. Where is the sense in making polices for financially self sustaining School Nutrition Departments when other groups can sell whatever they want and undermine their efforts ??????????