1. Smart Snacks & Child Nutrition
Stephanie Simms
School Nutrition Policy Fellow

2. Background Smart Snacks guidelines went into effect on July 1, 2014
Part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010 that improved the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program
Federal guidelines  further policies, restrictions, exemptions are determined by each state
As you may know, these guidelines went into effect July 1, They were a part of the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act of 2010 that required the United States Department of Agriculture to set nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools.
These are federal guidelines. Additional policies may be enacted by each state.
Smart Snacks guidelines refer to competitive foods which are foods and beverages sold to students on campus during the school days which are not a part of the reimbursable meal program (NSLP and SBP)
School day: midnight before to 30 minutes after school releases; School campus: individually defined by the school

3. Why Smart Snacks?
Children are seeing a healthier school environment through both the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program
Encourages children to make healthy choices
PTA delegates passed a resolution at the 2004 National PTA Convention calling for stronger national guidelines for all foods sold in school
Consistent messaging about healthy eating

4. Smart Snacks Guidelines
Foods and beverages that must meet Smart Snack guidelines include those found in:
à la carte lines
vending machines
snack bars
school stores
fundraisers (unless exempted)
Colorado: They will allow up to three exemptions per school building for school year The duration of the fundraisers will be determined by the Local Educational Agencies (LEA). However, the duration must comply with the intent of the legislation to increase the consumption of healthy foods during the school day and create an environment that reinforces the development of healthy eating habits.

5. Parent Engagement with Child Nutrition
Colorado PTA Health, Wellness & Safety Committee
State PTA Health & Safety Chairs
School PTA Healthy Lifestyle Chairs

6. Parent Engagement with Healthy Lifestyles
Fire Up Your Feet
Partnership between National PTA, Kaiser Permanente, and Safe Routes to School
Colorado was chosen as one of 11 states and locations to participate in the 2014 Fire Up Your Feet Fall Activity Challenge
National PTA as the Family Engagement Partner
For the 2014 challenge: 9 schools were awarded a total of $6,500.
This program is about promoting physical activity before, during, and after school for students, parents, and school staff and teachers.
Fundraising component of the program: Active HEALTHY fundraising! Online donations!

7. Parent Engagement with Healthy Schools
School Health Advisory Council
Using PTA leaders as the organizer or main supporter of recommendations to implement specific policies from the council
Involving PTA in the development of policies will help support healthy school environments. PTAs have resources such as national policy and advocacy contacts that they can reach out to regarding policy development, etc.

8. Parent Engagement with Smart Snacks
Students Adjust to Healthy School Snacks:
About 3:00

9. Parent Engagement with Healthy Fundraisers
5Ks, Fun Runs, Walk or Bike-a-thons
Group Exercise Events (Zumba, Kickboxing)
Family Fitness Days or Healthy Carnivals
Development of a cookbook with family recipes
Non-food items such as water bottles, t-shirts, socks with school logo
Cooking Classes or Demonstrations
Fruit sales
Talent or art shows
Community engagement with the 5Ks and physical activity events!
Online donations have shown to be incredibly successful!

10. School Wellness Policies
New rule from USDA expected in 2015 regarding strengthened and improved local wellness policies
Include Healthy Lifestyle Chair and parents
Required in ; part of HHFKA to strengthen and improve these policies
Open for comments in late February 2014 and closed in April; expected final rule in potentially later
Summary of Proposed Rule is Posted on USDA’s website:

11. Ways PTA Can Help
Work with the school nutrition staff to understand how PTA can support them in gaining acceptance of the new federal nutrition standards
Incorporate foods and beverages that meet the Smart Snacks guidelines into PTA events
Open dialogue with school staff
Support schools in implementing the changes to provide healthier foods and beverages to every student

12. Resources
Colorado Department of Education: Office of School Nutrition
National PTA Smart Snacks Webpage with Implementation Guide:
Alliance for a Healthier Generation- Smart Snacks
USDA Smart Snacks
Center for Science in the Public Interest Smart Snacks

13. Questions? For additional information or questions, please contact Stephanie Simms at or