Overview
School Nutrition Programs |
Program Guidance |
Forms |
Resources |
Nutrition Education
Beverage Requirements |
CNS |
Competitive Foods |
HFC |
List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Smart Snacks nutrition standards apply to all competitive foods sold on school campus during the school day in public schools, private schools, and residential child care institutions (RCCIs) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
- Competitive foods are all foods and beverages available for sale to students on the school campus during the school day, separately from reimbursable meals and snacks in the USDA's Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). Under Section 10-215b-1 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, competitive foods also include candy, coffee, tea, and soft drinks that are given to students on school premises while any CNPs are operating, including during and after the school day.
Note: The state beverage statute and competitive foods regulations extend this time beyond the school day. The state beverage statute (C.G.S. Section 10-221q) applies to all public schools at all times, except for sales that meet specific exemption criteria. The state competitive foods regulations apply to all public schools, private schools, and RCCIs whenever CNPs are operating, including during and after the school day.
- The school campus is all areas of the property under the jurisdiction of the school that are accessible to students during the school day.
- The school day is the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.
Connecticut public school districts that choose the healthy food option of Healthy Food Certification (HFC) under C.G.S. Section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes must comply with the stricter Connecticut Nutrition Standards. For more information, visit the CSDE's Connecticut Nutrition Standards and Healthy Food Certification webpages.
All Connecticut public schools (HFC and non-HFC) must comply with the Smart Snacks beverage standards and the stricter provisions of the state beverage statute (C.G.S. Section 10-221q). Private schools and RCCIs must comply with the Smart Snacks beverage standards. For information on the differences between the USDA and Connecticut requirements, see the CSDE's Comparison of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and the USDA's Smart Snacks Nutrition Standards.