The Rules Governing Nutrition and Physical Activity Standards for Arkansas Public Schools, as approved by the State Board of Education on August 8, 2005, identified exceptions to limiting access to foods and beverages in all schools (Section 5.02 of the Rules). Included as an “Exception to Limiting Access” is Section 5.02.5, Snacks During the Declared School Day, which states:
“Snacks may be provided or distributed by the school AS PART OF THE PLANNED INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM, for example, afternoon snack for kindergarten students who eat early lunch. Snacks shall meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Snack Patterns.”
The Child Nutrition Unit (CNU), Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), adapted the “ADE Snack Pattern for Snacks Served During the Declared School Day,” from the USDA Child and Adult Care Snack Pattern. Please see the following attachments to this memo: ADE Snack Pattern for Snacks Served During the Declared School Day, Sample Menus for Snacks Served During the Declared School Day, USDA Grain/Bread Guidance, and the USDA choking prevention resource, “You Can Help Prevent Choking.”
There is NO USDA funding for SNACKS offered during the declared school day from either the Child Nutrition Unit, Arkansas Department of Education or the Special Nutrition Unit, Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services. When a mid-afternoon snack is part of the planned instructional program, schools may provide and distribute a snack, which meets the ADE Snack Pattern for Snacks Served During the Declared School Day, however, the school child nutrition department may not claim these snacks for reimbursement. The cost for these snacks must come from funds other than the non-profit school food service account.