Texas Public School Nutrition Policy
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has implemented new rules and regulations regarding both Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FNMV) and “competitive foods” effective for the 2004-05 school year. The new rules are part of statewide efforts to promote better lifelong eating habits and to combat the increase in childhood obesity.
Foods sent from home for an individual child’s consumption are not restricted; however, parents are not allowed to send food for other students’ consumption unless they meet the Department of Agriculture guidelines. The rules affect the types of foods and the portions allowed. Additional information is provided in the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy at a Glance.
The state allows school districts to designate three days for class parties with refreshments that don’t meet the state standards regarding competitive foods and foods of minimal nutritional value. In RRISD, those dates are: the day before the winter holiday break; Valentine’s Day; and the last day of school.
The state rules also address fundraising through the sale of food. Food fundraising is not allowed on elementary school campuses during the school day. For middle schools and high schools, the nutrition standards apply to food fundraising during the school day.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has developed a list of ideas for non-food fundraising that is available at Squaremeals.org. Go to the “For Schools” link. More details about the new Texas Public School Nutrition Policy also are available at that web site.