Competitive foods and beverages are those that are sold to students on school campus, during the school day, outside of and in competition with the federally reimbursable meal programs. Examples of competitive foods and beverages include those sold during the school day in vending machines (that are not reimbursable meals), student stores, á la carte items sold by the school food service department, or as fundraisers.
Competitive foods and beverages are governed by different laws, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and school district levels. Congress enacts laws and the USDA promulgates regulations related to school nutrition. At the state level, the Legislature enacts laws and the State Board of Education adopts regulations related to nutrition. Lastly, each SFA participating in a federally reimbursable meal program is required to adopt a local school wellness policy that includes nutrition standards for all foods and beverages that are available for sale to students.
Fresno Unified School District follows the guidelines set forth by the Smart Snack Standards, as described in the Quick Reference cards published by the California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division in July 2014, updated January 2017 .
Student groups are not authorized to sell any food item that is not pre-approved by the Food Services Department. Food Services reviews all products and approves or denies based on the rules set forth by the Quick Reference cards published by the California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division in July 2014, updated January 2017. Student groups may sell any item on the approved vendor order guides provided by Food Services, as long as they are in compliance with all student organization guidelines as defined in the Quick Reference guides.