Federal guidelines for Food of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) are driving changes in many states as the rules are linked to the federal reimbursements for breakfast/lunch.
The primary intent is on food consumed at school, during the normal school day. So unless the scope has expanded or unless your state/district implements more narrow policies, your typical sales type fundraisers (i.e. cookie dough) or after hours events won't be affected.
The kind of PTO activities we've seen affected are "Muffins for Mom" (where students come also) or bakesales or food sales like ice cream or popcorn.
Note - here in Texas, we're into year 3 and we've seen some compromises. For instance, our schools can designate 3 times per year for holiday or other celebrations which are exempt from the rules.
Any time new rules get rolled out, it will take awhile to work at the kinks and everyone to understand. In this case, you'll have Federal Law, State Law, and School District Policy.
google your 'state dept of ed', and enter search word WELLNESS POLICY to see what your state recommends. the state only makes suggestions, it is the federal law which must be followed to the letter, as i understand it. so there is much room for variation and interpretation.
the term 'during school day' does give many fundraisers no cause for change, since most fundraisers are afterhours....ask your supt/school board about the draft policy they must submit to the state by july/aug 06....no doubt much hinges on the admin in place, after all, the school board can make the policy stricter than the guidelines suggest, i would think, or just do the bare minimum to satisfy the law....in our state/district, the policy can be veiwed by the public prior to its acceptance, and the public can make comments. ask your principal/supt/school bd at which upcoming school board meeting (they are all open to the public) the wellness policy will be reviewed and opened to comment and attend the meeting if you want all the details before theyre set in stone.
I'll ask around at our district level to see if it matters when. I just know they are getting booster clubs and everyone else the information so that everyone will know by July.
I read the Section 204 of Public Law 108-265. In it, it states "during the school day". I would think that carnivals, etc. that aren't conducted during the school day (actual school hours)wouldn't fall under this policy? I would see where a snack shack would since it's open during lunch recess, but not after hours activities. I'm going to keep reading and see what else pops up. We haven't heard anything from our district as of yet (we're 5th largest in the US).
Holly This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ours will start in July 2006. We have already received the no gum or candy memo. We have seen a preview of the policy. The district is going to give us fundraising ideas. But it is strict. Even bake sales will be out.
