Just got this via email from the Edmonds School District. There are some pretty big changes a-coming, so I’ll share in full for your edification.
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New Federal “Smart Snacks in School” Will Impact Vending, Fundraising
Effective July 1, food sold to students will be under new, restrictive nutritional requirements
The District must comply with new federal USDA nutrition regulations regarding food and beverages sold on campus to students during the school day. Called “Smart Snacks in School,” students will see new food and drinks in vending machines, student stores and school meal a lá carte lines. Additionally, food-based fundraisers must comply with these new federal requirements frommidnight until 30 minutes after a school’s scheduled end time.
Regulations require foods sold to be low in calories, sugar and salt with more focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The new regulations will take effect July 1.
Board Director Gary Noble asked what vending machine companies are doing to supply school districts statewide. Stewart Mhyre, Executive Director of Business and Operations, said vending machine companies “are scrambling” to come up with appropriate packaging for new products.
Board President Diana White expressed concerns about the financial impact to Associated Student Body (ASB) groups.
Mhyre said there are two large financial concerns related to this change. As much as $150,000 in a lá carte sales in the school meals program could be lost, which represents 3 percent of the food services overall revenue. The program already operates on slim margins, Mhyre said. Additionally, he added, ASB leaders worry they could lose as much as half the revenue they currently earn from items sold in vending machines.
