Oregon Smart Snack Information

Oregon Smart Snack Regulations and Information

Oregon Smart Snacks Standards (Competitive Foods)

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 required USDA to establish nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools beyond the federally-supported school meals programs. Oregon proactively set nutrition standards for non-program foods sold in schools prior to this, starting with House Bill 2650 and put into law, ORS 336.423, first implemented in 2008-09 School Year. In July 2014, USDA implemented Interim Final Rule Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, also known as Smart Snacks. In response, Oregon amended its Nutrition Standards to be more aligned with federal Smart Snacks in House Bill 2404 as of July 1, 2015. To assist Oregon Schools, participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the School Breakfast Program (SBP), State Agency carefully blended the two sets of rules creating what is called, Oregon Smart Snacks Standards. Below are the tools and regulations for Oregon schools participating in the NSLP and/or SBP to ensure compliance.

WHAT IS IT?

Effective in 2008, Oregon statute set nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold outside the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs during the school day or during extended school hours for activities such as clubs, yearbook, athletic practice, band and drama rehearsals. It includes fundraisers during school, but not athletic events, theater performances and recitals or other gatherings where parents/community members are significant parts of the audience.

The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 provided USDA authority to establish nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold outside of the Federal child nutrition programs in schools. July 1, 2014 was the initial implementation date for Smart Snacks.

As a result of the federal regulations, Oregon adopted new legislation in 2015 – Oregon Smart Snacks. This legislation follows federal guidelines but includes the flexibility for states to establish additional standards.

Review the House Bill 2404 here.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The nutrition standards included in the federal regulation final rule are for all foods sold in school are minimum standards.
State agencies and school districts may establish additional more restrictive standards.
State or local standards must be consistent with Federal standards.

The law specifies that the nutrition standards shall apply to all foods sold:

Outside the school meal programs;
On the school campus; and
At any time during the school day.

WHY?

Improving the nutritional profile of all foods sold in school is critical to:

improving diet and overall health of American children;
ensuring children from all income levels adopt healthful eating habits that will enable them to live productive lives; and
helping children make healthier choices and reduce their risk of obesity.

DEFINITIONS:

OVERVIEW OF OREGON SMART SNACKS:

What are competitive foods?

Competitive food: all food and beverages sold to students on the School Campus during the School Day, other than those meals reimbursable under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This includes:

A la carte
School stores/snack bars
Fundraising
Vending machines
Food given to students during the school day

Where do the standards apply?

School campus: all areas of the property under the jurisdiction of the school that are accessible to students during the school day.

When do the standards apply?

School day: is the period from the midnight before, through extended school hours for activities such as clubs, yearbook, athletic practices, band, and drama rehearsals.

Foods exempt from Smart Snack Nutrition Standards:

NSLP and SBP menued items sold day of service or day after service in the same or smaller portion sizes to students as a la carte or second meals.
Foods sold to adults
Fresh and frozen fruits or vegetables with no added ingredients except water
Canned fruit packed in 100% fruit juice or light/extra light syrup
Canned vegetables that contain a small amount of sugar for processing purposes to maintain the quality and structure of the vegetable
Sugar-free gum

Click here for meal component regulation per grade level

How are the Smart Snack regulations monitored?

The Districts Local Wellness Policy leadership monitors building compliance throughout the year. This information is reported to the Local Wellness Committee for discussion and can be addressed in the next policy update.

Oregon Department Of Revenue reviews the Local Wellness Committee documentation, Triennial Assessments and Oregon Smart Snack calculators for each food item, during the Nutrition Departments Administrative Review (State Audit) for NSLP and SBP.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.