USDA finalizes standards for school snacks

The Obama administration finalized a rule Thursday requiring all snacks sold in schools to meet the same health standards that first lady Michelle Obama championed for in the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act.

{mosads}The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Smart Snacks in School rule, which applies to food sold a la cart in school stores and vending machines, require snacks be made with whole grains, or be low-fat dairy, a fruit, vegetable or lean protein.

“I am thrilled with the progress we continue to make in building healthier learning environments for our kids with science-based nutrition standards for all food sold and marketed in schools,” Obama said in a statement. “As a mom, I know how hard parents work to provide nutritious meals and snacks to their kids, and we want to make sure we support those efforts with healthy choices at school.”

The rule, implemented last year, was one of four final rules related to school nutrition finalized on Thursday.

The Local Wellness Policy rule ensures that any food or beverage that is marketed on school campuses during the school day meets the Smart Snacks standards and the Community Eligibility Provision final rule to streamline certain administrative processes to make it easier for schools with higher poverty rates to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students.

The agency also finalized its Administrative Review rule, which states began implementing in the 2013-14 school year.

The rule updates the administrative review process used by state agencies to monitor federally funded school meal programs.