Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value

The Texas Department of Agriculture put new policies in place to limit snack foods in elementary schools. The policy states "An elementary school may not serve or provide access for students to Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value any time, anywhere on school premises during the school day."

Specifically, elementary students may not have carbonated drinks at school or on a field trip during the school hours. Also banned are most kinds of candy, gum and popsicles (unless containing fruit juice or milk). This will not affect activities after the school day or on weekends. Also not affected are individual meals sent from home to be consumed by the student and not shared with others.

For more information on the new policy and suggestions for nutritious snacks, please see the links under related information, or check the Latest News page at the Northside Child Nutrition Department's website.