Tennessee Department of Education reviews federal "Smart Snacks" standards and fundraiser limits in virtual training

Jennifer Smart, Mid Cumberland West regional nutrition consultant for the Tennessee Department of Education, led a recorded virtual training reviewing federal Smart Snacks nutrition standards, beverage portion limits by grade level, and rules for specially exempted fundraisers.

Smart Snacks matter because they regulate foods and beverages sold to students outside the federally reimbursable school meal programs. "Smart snacks are important because almost a quarter of kids' daily calories come from snacks," Smart said, summarizing the federal rationale behind the standards.

The session defined the school day for Smart Snacks enforcement as beginning at midnight and ending 30 minutes after the official end of the school day. Smart outlined the core nutrient and ingredient tests: compliant snack and entrée items must meet limits for calories, sodium, total fat, saturated fat and total sugars, and must be a grain product that is at least 50% whole grain by weight or list a whole grain as the first ingredient, a fruit/vegetable/dairy/protein food as the first ingredient, or a combination food that contains at least 1/4 cup fruit and/or vegetables.

Smart explain…