On June 27, 2013, the USDA published its interim final “Smart Snacks in School”
rules, trading which affect the 100,000+ elementary, middle and high schools that accept assistance from the National School Lunch Program.
As part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which set a deadline for the USDA to revamp its school snack standards (which hadn’t been revised for 30 years!), the Smart Snacks in School rules affect “competitive foods,” which are snacks sold in vending machines, a la carte lunch lines, fundraisers and forex trading in student stores.
Take simple steps now to assess whether you comply with Smart Snacks In School or not. Frankly, if you have a regular vending machine and competitive foods provider, it’s unlikely he or she will know the intricacies of how to comply. The great thing about HUMAN’s Healthy Vending machine & competitive foods program is that you won’t have to worry about policing your snack and beverage supplier to ensure compliance — we police ourselves, and that’s a 100% guarantee! While the Smart Snacks In School rules are “Interim Final,” they are law and schools must comply. Additionally, the USDA needs feedback from schools to ensure that its final rule reflects what is realistic and most beneficial to schools and student nutrition.
It’s no doubt that most students are accustomed to purchasing less than nutritious snacks from your school vending machines, a la carte lines, student stores and fundraisers, right? In my experience it’s better to transition to wholesome options over time so that students have time to get used to the new products. Healthful products have come a LONG way in taste and now offer kid-friendly branding. Additionally, our franchisees can keep the momentum and excitement going by hosting interactive sampling events with your students. By gradually weaning your students off the junk food, you’ll see steady commissions and avoid push-back from students.
If your school is like most schools, you rely on competitive food sales for underfunded programs. We’re happy to provide plenty of references and case studies for schools that have made the switch to healthy vending & healthful competitive foods and INCREASED their commissions. That’s right, we increase commissions. For example, we have schools in Texas and California that DOUBLED their vending machine commissions after switching to HUMAN Healthy Vending. Our contract with you can even include a commission guarantee! Just ask about this during your consultation with one of our Smart Snacks In School specialists.
It’s no doubt that school nutrition is a hot topic and something that has gained national attention. You can showcase your school as a leader in providing children with healthful snack and drink options by integrating a healthy vending & competitive foods program by being in compliance with the new rules. We’ll even help you gain all of the positive press. You’ll get brand new, high tech, eco-friendly healthy vending machines too… just act fast to ensure that we still have machines available in your area!
The last thing you want to worry about is your school being fined for not complying with the Smart Snacks in School rules. Not only is this costly, it’s embarrassing. As we mentioned earlier, we police our operators and can confirm that the competitive foods sold on your campus are 100% compliant.