The Arizona Department of Education Nutrition Standards were passed on July 1, 2006. All Kindergarten through eighth grade schools are required to abide by these standards. The foundation for the Nutrition Standards are the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the United States Department of Agriculture's Federal Child Nutrition Program regulations. The new Nutrition Standards will help maintain children's health and well-being. In addition, this will help support a school environment that promotes learning and healthy eating habits.
The Arizona Nutrition Standards apply to all foods and beverages sold in vending machines, snack bars, fundraisers, and school events held durning the normal school day. A normal school day is defined as beginning with the start of breakfast and ending with the last bell of the intruction period. The standards are not applicable to classroom parties.
The Arizona Department of Education is dedicated to helping fight obesity and its risk factors. The new Nutrition Standards are to assist schools, parents, and communities provide a model of healthy living.
For more information please go to http://www.ade.az.gov/ or call the Department of Education - Health and Nutrition Services at 602-542-8700.
