Everything you need to know about Smart Snacks in School
Smart Snacks in School is a new initiative by the USDA to promote healthier food options to children while in school. These new regulations not only affect the products sold in vending machines and cafeterias but also fundraisers that are held during school hours and on school property.
Old Fashion Candy supports and encourages this new snacking program and we are here to help you meet and understand the new rules set by the USDA. In this post, as well as on our website, we’ve outline some of the key facts and links for the Smart Snacks in School program:
FACT 1: Food based fundraisers that are sold during school hours must adhere to the guidelines set by the USDA Smart Snacks in School. In compliance with this program, Old Fashion Candy has developed the Smart Variety in which all items meet the nutritional guidelines. Detailed specifics on these nutrition guidelines can be found on the USDA’s site.
FACT 2: Fundraising activities that take place outside of school do not need to adhere to the nutrition standards. This means that normal candy and snack fundraisers can be sold anytime, off school grounds by individuals or groups. The nutrition standards only apply to items sold during school hours.
FACT 3: The selling of candy or snacks on school grounds can be done 30 minutes after the end of the school day and runs until midnight. This means any food item can be sold at concession stands, athletic events, musical/theater concerts, dance/cheer competitions, etc. Even if you are a school-sponsored or affiliated group, fundraising that takes place after school hours is not affected by these guidelines and you are free to select a fundraiser of your choosing.
FACT 4: All Old Fashion Candy fundraising boxes come sealed shut, so sales don’t take place until they are intended too. This prevents the unintended selling of candy or snack fundraisers during school hours.
FACT 5: Individual states have the ability to occasionally allow a school-sponsored fundraiser that sells candy or snacks during the school day, without having to meet the Smart Snacks in School nutrition regulations. Find out more information on getting your school’s candy or snack fundraiser approved by your state here.
FACT 6: If you are an individual or group not affiliated with a school you do not need to adhere to any guidelines, unless you are selling on school grounds during school hours.
At Old Fashion Candy we also offer several alternative school fundraising ideas that are not food related, such as our Celestial Candles, key chains, Donation Dots, lanyards and more. It is our mission to provide you with a variety of fundraisers to choose from that will meet your group’s needs by raising top profit, with quality name brand items and will adhere to a variety of selling situations and fundraising audience.
If you have questions about the Smart Snacks in School program and how it applies to your fundraiser, please give us a call at 800-500-1234. We are happy to provide you with any information as well as help you select and run a fundraiser that is specific to your needs and goals.