NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS 8250
[NOTE: THE FOLLOWING POLICIES PROVIDING NUTRITION AND MEAL REQUIREMENTS, ETC. ARE REQUIRED ONLY IF YOUR CHARTER SCHOOL RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER EITHER THE CHILD NUTRITION ACT OF 1966 (42 USC § 1771), and/or THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH ACT (42 USC § 1751).]
Guidelines for Food and Beverages Sales
This policy shall apply to all foods sold outside of reimbursable school meals, such as through vending machines, cafeteria a la carte snack lines, fundraisers, school stores, etc.
RISE Charter School encourages the use of nutrient dense foods for all school functions and activities. Nutrient dense foods are those foods that provide students with calories rich in the nutrient content needed to be healthy. At any school function (parties, celebrations, feasts, sporting events, etc.) healthy food choice options should be available. All foods will adhere to Smart Snack regulations, unless approved by an administrator as an exemption.
Elementary Students
The school food service program will approve and provide all food and beverage sales to students in elementary schools. Given young children's limited nutrition skills, food in elementary schools should be sold as balanced meals. If available, foods and beverages sold individually should be limited to low-fat and non-fat milk, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Middle/Junior High and High Students
In middle/junior high and high schools, all foods and beverages sold individually outside the reimbursable school meal programs (including those sold through a la carte [snack] lines, vending machines, student stores, or fundraising activities) during the school day will meet the nutrition standards found in the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations.
Vending Machines
The Board of Directors has determined that there shall be no installations of vending machines except as approved by the Executive Director. The Executive Director will have the authority to determine whether such machines may be installed, where they will be placed, and during which hours they might be used. All revenue produced from this source shall be deposited in the designated activity fund as approved by the Board. Revenues may be spent only on those purposes for which general revenue may be expended.
All vending sales shall comply with the standards of the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations and documentation of compliance shall be retained.
Snacks
Snacks served during the school day or in after-school care or enrichment programs will make a positive contribution to children's diets and health, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks and water as the primary beverage and will meet the standards of the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations. Schools will assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of school meals, children's nutritional needs, children's ages, and other considerations. The School will disseminate a list of healthful snack items to teachers, after- school program personnel, and parents. The School will also use the Smart Snacks calculator.
If eligible, schools that provide snacks through after-school programs will pursue receiving reimbursements through the National School Lunch Program.
Fundraising Activities and Concessions
Any fundraising requires administrative approval and will be tracked by event.
Any food items sold at the school site during the school day, defined as from midnight until a half-hour after the end of the instructional day, and intended for consumption there, must meet the requirements of the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations, except for exempt fundraisers. The number of exempt fundraisers held annually may not exceed the number established by the Idaho State Department of Education unless special permission is granted by the State Department of Education.
Any fundraising activities that involve foods not intended for consumption in schools, such as the sale of cookie dough or frozen pizza outside of school, shall also be exempt.
Foods sold at exempt fundraisers may not be sold in competition with school meals in the food service area during any meal service. To create a school environment that supports the promotion of healthy food and beverage choices for children, it is important to consider all venues where food and beverages are consumed or sold. The following recommendations are made to promote healthy choices for children related to fund-raising activities supported by the school:
- Offer only non-food items that raise funds such as books, gift wrap, candles, plants, flowers, school promotional items, etc.; and
- Whenever food and beverages are sold that raise funds for the school through fundraisers exempted as outlined above, include healthy food choices as well.
Organizations operating concessions at school functions should include healthy food choices in their offerings. It is recommended that groups market these healthy options at a lower price to encourage selection by students. If these foods and beverages are consumed on school grounds, during the school day, and are not exempt fundraisers, they must comply with the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations.
School-Sponsored Events
Foods and beverages sold at school-sponsored events during the school day, from midnight until a half-hour after the end of the instructional day, and held on school grounds (such as, but not limited to, athletic events, dances, or performances) will meet the nutrition standards outlined in the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations, unless they are exempt fundraisers as described above. However, the Smart Snacks in Schools standards do not apply to items sold during non-school hours.
Cross Reference:
3420 Student Fund Raising Activities
Legal Reference:
7 CFR Part 210 & 220 Nutrition School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: Final Rule
Other Reference:
Idaho State Department of Education, Smart Snacks (available at: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/cnp/sch-mp/snacks.html)
Policy History:
Adopted on: July 26, 2021
Revised on:
Reviewed on: