Smart Snacks in Schools

For Everyone

At a glance

  • Smart Snacks in School refers to USDA's national nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold during the school day outside of school meal programs.
  • These items are called competitive foods because they can compete with participation in school meal programs.
Two open hands. One hand is holding a green apple. The other hand is holding a pink donut with sprinkles.

What are Smart Snacks in School?

Smart Snacks in School are the federal nutrition standards for competitive foods and beverages that include limits on fat, sugar, sodium, and calorie content.

The following sources of competitive foods and beverages must meet Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards:

  • In-school fundraisers: Many schools raise money during the school day for school-led extracurricular activities, and these fundraisers often involve the sale of food to students (such as bake sales). Although all foods sold as part of fundraisers during the school day must meet Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, state agencies that administer school meal programs have the authority to exempt an infrequent number of fundraisers from meeting these standards each year.
  • À la carte foods: Most schools offer students the option to buy foods and beverages in the cafeteria that are not a complete school meal. These items may be an entrée or side item from a school meal (such as a vegetable side dish) or other items that are not part of the school meal (such as chips). All à la carte foods must meet USDA's Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
  • Vending machines: The majority of middle and high schools and some elementary schools have vending machines with foods and beverages that students can buy. Foods and beverages sold to students in vending machines must meet Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Vending machines in areas that are not accessible to students, such as teacher break rooms, are not included in these standards.
  • School stores and snack bars: Some schools have school stores, snack bars, canteens, and snack carts where students can buy foods and beverages. Foods and beverages sold in school stores and snack bars must meet Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

Celebrations and Rewards

Food and beverages are commonly part of classroom celebrations, parties, special events and given to reward students for academic achievement or positive behaviors. Schools and parents can work together to ensure that celebrations, events and reward support student health.

Because these items are offered, not sold, to students, they are not required to meet Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. However, all school districts should have a local school wellness policy that includes nutrition standards for food and beverages provided during celebrations and for rewards. For example, they can provide only healthy foods and beverages at celebrations and events and offer nonfood items for rewards.

These strategies apply to celebrations occurring during the school day or out-of-school time programs on school grounds. Ideas for nonfood rewards include extra time for recess, stickers, or a note of recognition from a teacher or principal.

Resources

Smart Snacks in School

USDA Smart Snacks in School

Information about the Smart Snacks nutrition standards and a list of resources.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Tools that help identify products that meet the Smart Snacks nutrition standards, including a Smart Snacks Product Calculator and Product Navigator.

Celebrations and Rewards

Healthy and Active Non-Food Rewards

Fun and healthy ways to recognize students for positive behavior or academic accomplishments.

Healthy School Celebrations

Ideas for school celebrations that support healthy eating and physical activity.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Guidance and resources for healthy celebrations and nonfood rewards

In-School Fundraisers

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Multiple resources related to school fundraisers, including alternate fundraising ideas, a PowerPoint presentation, and a graphic about working with school nutrition services to choose products for in-school fundraisers.

Dining Decisions

Students can use the Dining Decisions app to see how healthy they can make their food plate.

Download the free app today!

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Content Source
Division of Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)
About This Page
Published:
Updated: August 25, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: August 25, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.