Texas Public SchoolNutrition Policy at a

Glance Elementary

Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV)

Federal regulations state that Elementary Schools may not serve or provide access to FMNV and all forms of

candy at anytime and anywhere on school premises until the end of the last scheduled class. Such foods and

beverages may not be sold or given away to students on school premises by school administrators or staff

(principals, coaches, teachers, etc.), students or student groups, parents or parent groups, guest speakers, and

any other person, company or organization.

Examples of FMNV:• Soda Water-Includes any carbonated beverage• Water Ices- with the exception of products that contain fruit or fruit juice.• Chewing Gum-• Certain Candies-Includes any processed foods made predominantly from

sweeteners or artificial sweeteners.– hard candy, jellies and gums, marshmallow candies, fondant, licorice,

spun candy and candy-coated popcorn.

COMPETITIVE FOODS All food and beverages that are not

provided by school Child Nutrition Department.

Texas Public School Nutrition Policy (TPSNP) states that it does not restrict what food or beverages parents may provide for their own children’s consumption. Parents may not provide restricted items to other students at school and students may not share these items. Ex: cupcakes, bbq, pizza, soft drinks, etc.

For Elementary Schools– Not allowed to be provided to students any time anywhere on school premises until after the end of the scheduled class. All food, beverages and snack items must comply with the nutrition standards and portion size restrictions in this policy.

NUTRITION POLICY EXEMPTIONS

Snacks or RewardsThe classroom snack or rewards may be provided by the school food service, the teacher, parents or other groups and should be at no cost to students. These prepackaged snacks must not be considered FMNV or candy and comply with the fat and sugar limits of the TPSNP, and must be single-size servings. Ala carte items sold in the cafeteria have passed all the requirements through the nutritional calculator . If you are in doubt about an item please email me and I will put the information into the nutritional calculator. For healthy snack ideas, see TDA’s listing of “Suggestions for Nutritious Snacks,” available at ww.squaremeals.org.

Instructional Use of Food in Classroom For instructional purposes, teachers may use foods as long as the food items are not considered FMNV or candy. Students may consume food prepared in class for instructional purposes. However, this should be on an occasional basis, (stated in your lesson plans and approved by the principal) and food may not be provided or sold to other students or classes. Regular meal service must continue to be available to all students in accordance with federal regulations.

Field Trips, Athletic, UIL, Band and Other Competitions The nutrition policy does not apply to students who leave campus for campus-approved field trips or to travel to athletic, UIL, band or other competitions. The school day is considered to have ended for these students. School activities, athletic functions, etc. that occur after the normal school day are not covered by the policy.

Other Certain exemptions are allowed for school nurses, students with special needs and up to three school wide events preapproved by campus officials. (NOTE: Federal regulations do not allow FMNV's to be sold or given away during meal periods where reimbursable meals are served/consumed, including during any exempted events.)

In-classroom birthday parties Foods otherwise restricted by the policy are permitted at student birthday parties. Such parties are to be scheduled after the end of the class lunch period so that these celebrations will not replace a nutritious lunch and not in areas that reimbursable meals are served/consumed.

COMPLIANCE AND PENALTIES

• If Texas Dept. of Agriculture determines that a school has violated the policy, TDA may disallow meal reimbursement for the day on which the violation occurred and require the school to reimburse the Child Nutrition account.

• Average daily USDA reimbursement $750.00• Depending on the nature, frequency and severity of the

violation TDA could disallow all meals for a 4 week period.

• $ 750.00 X 4 Weeks = $ 15,000.00

Information in this presentation was provided by Square Meals. Square Meals is the Texas Department of Agriculture’s school nutrition education and

outreach program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.

• In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY), USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.