Nutrition Initiatives
Smart Snacks
Definition of Competitive Foods: Competitive foods and beverages are those that are sold to students on the school campus, during the school day, outside of and in competition with the federally reimbursable meal programs. Examples of competitive foods and beverages include those sold during the school day in vending machines (that are not reimbursable meals), snack bars, á la carte items sold by the school food service department, or as fundraisers.
When Competitive Food and Beverage Nutrition Standards Apply: The Competitive Food and Beverage Nutrition Standards apply only to food and/or beverages sold during the school day on the school campus. CEs may establish local policies or rules that are more restrictive than Texas or USDA regulations as long as those policies and rules are not in conflict with Texas or USDA regulations.
Definition for Transactions that Constitute a Sale: Sale of a food and/or beverage includes all direct or indirect sales such as (1) cash or credit transactions; (2) tokens, tickets, or other representations of value in exchange for cash or credit that a student may use to purchase food and/or beverages; or (3) food and/or beverages given to students in exchange for donations, whether those donations occur by cash or credit. If a student receives a food and/or beverage as a result of any form of payment, donation, or other contribution, the food and/or beverage item must meet the Competitive Food and Beverage Nutrition Standards.
Food and/or beverages Given to Students: If a student is given food and/or beverage items at no charge (no form of payment, donation, or other contribution exchanged for the item), these items are not subject to the Competitive Food and Beverage Nutrition Standards. Food given to students is a transaction that does not result from a payment, donation of funds, or a contribution of value by the student or parent. Food Provided by Parents or Guardians. Food provided by parents or guardians is considered to be food given to students and is not subject to the Competitive Food and Beverage Nutrition Standards. 3 Accompaniments or Condiments. An accompaniment or condiment intended to be used with a competitive beverage and/or food item is considered to be part of the competitive food and/or beverage item—even if the accompaniment or condiment is provided at a different location in the serving area.
Food and/or Beverages Purchased with Classroom Funds: When the parents of students in a classroom agree to donate funds toward the purchase of treats to be shared by all children in the classroom for special occasions, food and beverage items served are not subject to the Competitive Food and Beverage Nutrition Standards.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Our RYSS Brownsville Schools and RYSS Primary School at Broadway campuses participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
FFVP can be an important tool for efforts to combat childhood obesity. The Program has been successful in introducing school children to a variety of fruits and vegetables that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample.
The various partnerships that FNS and state agencies have developed in the public and private sectors, as well as the dedicated work of school administrators, have contributed to the overall success and acceptance of the program. FFVP is consistent with and supports the Institute of Medicine's recommendations to provide healthier snack choices in schools.
