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Smart Snacks in Schools

From classroom celebrations and student stores to fundraisers and vending machines, food is part of many school activities.

To help create healthier school environments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold to students during the school day. The goal is simple: make the healthy choice the easy choice while supporting students' learning and well-being.

Because nearly one-quarter of a student's daily calories may come from snacks, the foods available during the school day can have a meaningful impact on nutrition, energy, and academic success. Research shows that students with healthier eating patterns are more likely to perform better in school.

What is "Smart Snacks"?

Smart Snacks standards are a federal requirement for foods and beverages sold outside of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs during the school day. That means schools, PTOs, booster clubs, student organizations, teachers, and other groups that sell food to students during the school day all share responsibility for following these guidelines.

This page explains:

  • What Smart Snacks are
  • When the standards apply
  • Who they apply to
  • How to determine if a product qualifies
  • Where to find Smart Snack-compliant foods and beverages
  • Resources to help you plan classroom activities, fundraisers, and other school events

When do Smart Snacks apply?

Smart Snacks standards apply to foods and beverages sold to students on campus during the school day.

Examples include:

  • Classroom or school fundraisers
  • PTO/PTA food sales
  • School stores
  • Snack bars
  • À la carte sales
  • Vending machines

The school day is defined as midnight before school begins until 30 minutes after the school day ends.

When don't Smart Snacks apply?

Generally, Smart Snacks requirements do not apply to:

  • School meals served through the breakfast or lunch program
  • Foods brought from home for an individual student's lunch
  • Food sold after the school day ends
  • Weekend events
  • Off-campus events
  • Fundraisers where food is intended to be eaten after the school day ends

If you're unsure whether your event qualifies, please contact the Food Services Department before purchasing food.

Common situations

Activity Smart Snacks Required?
PTO sells popcorn (not at lunch) ✅ Yes
School store sells snacks ✅ Yes
Vending machine ✅ Yes
Teacher buys snacks for students       ✅ Yes
After-school fundraiser ❌ No
Saturday carnival ❌ No
Food sold to be taken home later ❌ Usually No
Unsure? Contact Food Services

Planning ahead saves time

Before purchasing food for students or planning a fundraiser:

  • Check whether your event falls under Smart Snacks requirements.
  • Verify products before purchasing large quantities.
  • Keep the Nutrition Facts label available when checking products.
  • When in doubt, ask Food Services first.

How do I know if a snack qualifies?

The easiest way is to use the Smart Snacks Product Calculator.

Simply enter the information from the product's Nutrition Facts label and ingredients list to determine whether it meets USDA requirements.

Smart Snacks Product Calculator

Where can I buy Smart Snack products?

Many Smart Snack-compliant items are available at:

  • Costco
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Grocery Outlet
  • IGA
  • QFC
  • Haggen
  • Amazon
  • Other local grocery stores

Many retailers also identify products that meet Smart Snack standards, but it's still important to verify products using the Smart Snacks Product Calculator because USDA does not maintain an official list of approved products.

Looking for easy options?

Some foods naturally meet Smart Snack requirements, including:

  • Fresh fruit
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Plain bottled water

These are always good choices for classrooms and school activities.

Beverage guidelines

Allowable beverages vary by grade level, but generally include:

  • Plain water (still or sparkling)
  • Certain milk products
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • Limited low-calorie beverages for high schools

For complete beverage requirements:

USDA Smart Snacks Guide

Common Questions

Does Smart Snacks apply to everything brought into school?

No. Smart Snacks standards apply to foods and beverages sold to students during the school day. They do not apply to every food item brought onto campus.

Can our PTO or booster club sell snacks during the school day?

Yes, but the foods and beverages sold must meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards if the sale takes place during the school day on campus.

Can we hold a food fundraiser after school?

Yes. Fundraisers that take place after the school day, on weekends, or off campus are not subject to the federal Smart Snacks standards.

Is there an official list of approved Smart Snacks?

No. USDA does not maintain or approve a list of Smart Snack products. Even products labeled "Smart Snacks Approved" should be verified using the Smart Snacks Product Calculator.

How can I tell if a snack qualifies?

The easiest way is to enter the product's Nutrition Facts information into the Smart Snacks Product Calculator, which determines whether the item meets USDA requirements.

What if I'm not sure whether my event or snack qualifies?

Please contact the district's Food Services department before purchasing food. We're happy to help answer questions and review products before you spend money.