Out of Balance: A Look at Snack Foods in Secondary Schools across the States

Based on a comprehensive analysis of the data included in this report, findings from our earlier HIA, and related research, the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project urges USDA to issue science-based nutrition standards for all foods and beverages served and sold in schools. The project makes the following recommendations.

Recommendation 1:

USDA should establish nutrition standards for all snack foods sold regularly on school grounds outside of the school meal programs. For secondary schools, these standards should include:

• a requirement that schools sell healthier items from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans list of foods to encourage;
• age-appropriate calorie limits for items sold individually;
• a maximum total calorie limit on sugar and fats;
• incremental reductions in sodium over 10 years to achieve full alignment with the Dietary Guidelines • for Americans; and
• restrictions on calories and serving size for all beverages. 

Recommendation 2:

USDA should adopt policies and practices that ensure effective implementation of the standards. At a minimum, USDA should:

• ensure that nutrition standards are kept up to date with future iterations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; and
• collaborate with states and nongovernmental organizations to monitor the implementation of the standards and share the results publicly.
  
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