USDA Rules Encourage Healthier Snacks, Discourage Fat, Sugar, Sodium

In an effort to promote healthier snacks in school cafeterias, vending machines and snack bars, the USDA has proposed new standards, the “Smart Snacks in School” rules. The standards were required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The proposed rules encourage snacks with whole grains, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables or protein foods as their main ingredients, while discouraging snacks high in fat, sugar, and sodium. The rules allow some flexibility for different age groups in areas like drink sizes and caffeine content, as well as for “important traditions” like bagged lunches, birthday parties, holidays, etc., and fundraisers and bake sales. The public comment period for the rules is 60 days.