Background / Resources

USDA's nutrition standards are outdated for foods sold out of vending machines, school stores, and other venues outside the school lunch program. Nationally, 83% of elementary schools, 97% of middle/junior high schools, and 99% of senior high schools sell foods and beverages out of vending machines, school stores, or a la carte in the cafeteria.

The sale of foods outside of the meal programs can negatively affect children's diets, since many are high in calories, added sugars, and fat and low in nutrients.

Parents should not have to worry that their children will spend their lunch money on low-nutrition foods from vending machines, school stores, and a la carte in the cafeteria, instead of on balanced school meals.

 Girl eating fruit
  1. The Need to Update USDA's School Nutrition Standards for Foods Sold Outside of Meals
    Sale of Low-Nutrition Food in Schools
  2. Dispelling School Funding Myths
    National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity report
  3. School Foods Report Card
    Find out your state's policy on nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold outside of school meals
  4. Improving Schools without Losing Money
    Resources on Revenue Issues Related to School Foods
  5. Model Resolution for School Boards (or as MS Word)
  6. State School Nutrition Legislation Supports Parental and Local Control
  7. Raw Deal
    School Beverage Contracts Less Lucrative Than They Seem

 


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