Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) Policy Clarification Question and Answers

WEBSITE http://www.tea.state.tx.us\

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The following questions are a summary of those we have received concerning this policy. Hopefully the answers will assist schools to evaluate their individual situations.

1. Does the school have to move all vending machines out of the cafeteria or the school? No, see clarification memo.

2. May a student bring a carbonated beverage from home or purchase one in another area of the school and bring it into the cafeteria during meal periods? Yes, this policy does not address a student bringing a drink into the foodservice area as long as the student is not selling, or providing drinks to other students.

3. May FMNV be sold in the cafeteria outside of meal periods? Yes, the policy only applies to foodservice areas during meal periods.

4. Does this policy cover sales by school organizations or other individuals? Yes, the policy prohibits the sale or give away of FMNV in the foodservice area during meal periods by anyone or any organization.

5. May carbonated beverages be sold in a snack bar or ala carte food line across the hall from the cafeteria where reimbursable meals are served? Yes, as long as reimbursable meals are neither served nor consumed in this area.

6. If meals are consumed in a classroom may the teacher provide FMNV to students? No, in this situation the classroom becomes a foodservice area and FMNV may not be sold or given away to students during meal periods.

7. If meals are prepared for student field trips, may carbonated beverages also be provided on the bus? No, during a field trip the bus becomes an extension of the foodservice area and FMNV may not be available during meal periods.

8. May students be restricted to eating in a certain area so that FMNV may be sold in other

areas? Yes, the school must properly and reasonably designate the foodservice area for

the purpose of restricting the availability of FMNV.

9. Does this policy include chips, candy bars, French fries, Jell-O, sports drinks, tea, or other items that might be considered “junk food”? No, the policy only covers the four categories of restricted foods: soda water, water ices, chewing gum, and the certain candies referenced in the policy attachment. Sports drinks, bottled waters, and tea are not carbonated and therefore not covered by the policy.

Food and Nutrition

Website http://www.agr.state.tx.us/foodnutrition/policy/ntn_nutritious_snacks.htm

Suggestions for Nutritious Snacks

Beverages
Fruit Juices	Fruit Smoothies
Milk, non-fat or low fat, plain or flavored	Approved Sparkling or Plain Water

Low-Fat Grain Foods
Mini-bagel bread sticks	Animal Crackers
Graham Crackers	Soft pretzel, plain or flavored
English Muffin	Pretzels
Mini rice cakes, flavored	Low-fat sports bars
Fig Newtons	Baked tortilla chips with salsa
Low-fat fruit or grain muffin (3oz)	Vanilla wafers
Dry cereal, individual servings

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

In Season fresh fruit

Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower with low-fat dip or salad dressing

Additional Treats
100% fruit snacks	Fruit bars
Frozen low-fat yogurt	Frozen fruit bars
Low-fat pudding, plain or as a parfait	Fat free popcorn
Yogurt splits (yogurt, banana with toppings) or parfaits	Low-fat sandwich cookies (chocolate or vanilla
Beef jerky - 95% fat free	Peanut butter and crackers
Low-fat string cheese	Fruit, nut and/or grain trail mixes

Entrée Suggestions for School Parties
Salads made with pasta, meat, and/or vegetables	Baked potato with vegetable or chili topping
Pasta with marinara sauce	Pizza bagels (or English muffins)
Grill or baked vegetable or cheese quesadilla	Tortilla wraps filled with meat and/or vegetables
Bean burrito

Additional Items Not Restricted by Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value Policy
Ice cream	Cakes
Cookies	Chips
Cupcakes	Dips
Non-carbonated beverages, (i.e., punch, lemonade, Kool-Aid)	Candy containing chocolate and/or nuts (i.e. M&Ms, Snickers, Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Cups and Pieces, Milky Way, etc.)

Non-Food Reward Ideas
Pencils	Stars
Stickers	Certificates
Movie Coupons	Rulers
Coupons for extra computer time, free time, reading time, etc.

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