Child Nutrition Services
Snack Guidelines

Delaware has adopted three of the national goals to promote the health of children.  As a caring partner in health promotion of children, the Child Nutrition Program of Christina School District has begun making nutritional changes to support these goals.  The Child Nutrition Program has adopted policies to ensure that all foods and beverages available on school campuses contribute toward eating patterns that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines.

Some of these changes have been evident to our students who have been purchasing healthier snack items under our new a la carte program.  As of the 2004-2005 school year, snack foods now have a reduction in fat and sugar content than those previously offered.  Portion sizes and new products help to limit the fat and sugar content to no more than 35% of its total calories.  "Naturally baked" not fried chips and other snack crackers and cakes have replaced our shelves.  Beverages, too, have undergone changes in our program.  Beverages of little nutritional value have been replaced with those containing at least 50% to 100% real fruit juice and do not contain added sweeteners.
 

• No more than 35% calories from sugar or other sweeteners
• No more than 8 grams of fat per serving and/or have 35% or less of its total calories from fat; 10% or less of its total calories from saturated plus trans fat

• Must be made with at least 50% up to and including 100% real fruit juice and that it does not contain added sweeteners

• No more than 35% calories from sugar or other sweeteners
• Electrolyte replacement beverages with no more than 42 grams of sugar per 20 oz. serving size
• Dairy products need to be low fat or skim, including but not limited to chocolate, strawberry, soy or rice milk
• Water

In addition to the above:  Sodas, water ices, chewing gum, certain candies (hard candy, jellies/gums, marshmallow, fondant, licorice, spun candy, candy-coated popcorn) are prohibited.