Transition of Foods and Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value to Smart Snacks in School Standards

This memorandum is to inform you that all Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value exemptions will end on June 30, 2014. Therefore, the attached list, Exemptions Under the Competitive Foods Regulation will become obsolete on July 1, 2014.

Beginning July, 1, 2014, the interim final rule for Smart Snacks in School (Smart Snacks) will go into effect for school year 2014-15. Therefore, any competitive foods and beverages must meet the nutrition standards specified in the interim final rule.

In addition, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) would like to make you aware of an important new tool titled, Smart Snacks Product Calculator developed by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. FNS has thoroughly reviewed this online tool and has determined it to be accurate in assessing food and beverage product compliance with the federal requirements for Smart Snacks in School. We encourage everyone that is interested in determining if a specific product can be sold under the Smart Snacks requirements to use the calculator. Companies that have an interest in providing their product information to the Alliance for inclusion in a database should contact them directly using the information on the calculator webpage.

The link to the Smart Snacks Product Calculator may be found at the following website: http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/smartsnacks. Additional information on Smart Snacks in School can be found: https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/guide-smart-snacks-school.

States are reminded to immediately distribute this memorandum to school food authorities. State agencies should contact the appropriate FNS regional office with any questions about this information, the exemption list, or if you need assistance in determining the category of a specific food.

Cynthia Long
Deputy Administrator
Child Nutrition Programs

Attachment

• Exemptions Under the Competitive Foods Regulation