New Mexico Adopts “Smarter Snacks” in Schools

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Recently the New Mexico Student Nutrition Bureau went above and beyond the new standards set by the USDA’s Smart Snacks regulations.

The New Mexico standards will allow only nuts, seeds, yogurt, cheese and fresh fruit to be sold during the school day from vending machines in middle and high schools, with other snacks not available until 30 minutes after the school day ends.

They are also updating their vending standards, encouraging elementary schools to have only water, low-fat/fat-free milk, or soy milk in their machines. Middle and High Schools have to meet strict size and calorie standards for 100% fruit juices, carbonated beverages, and flavored waters.

Fundraisers are also addressed in New Mexico’s new standards, allowing groups to do only one hour of fundraising during the school day one time per semester or trimester at the discretion of the principal or charter school director if the fundraiser does not meet the Smart Snacks standards.

These standards will apply to any public or private school in New Mexico that participates in the USDA School Meal Program. Find the full list of changes here!

 

By The Numbers By The Numbers

84

percent

of Latino parents support public funding for afterschool programs

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