Anyone who thinks they can sell any kind of food or beverage to US school students between kindergarten through 12th grade should think again. As certain people in the education sector might know, congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010, requiring schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program follow the Smart Snacks standards set out by the US Department of Agriculture(“USDA”). Since then, most US states, including Florida, have passed legislation that all schools, even those without federal programs must meet the standards.
The Challenge
As a result of Smart Snack standards, school systems across the nation have been facing a constant challenge of sourcing healthy snack foods that will still appeal to students across every facet of their school day. Apart from food served as part of school meal programs, all other food and beverage sold must adhere to the nutritional and portion standards set out by the USDA. This extends to a la cart items sold in cafeterias, food and beverage sold in school stores, snack bars and vending machines. Under certain circumstances, even sales as part of fund raising activities, may fall subject to these standards depending on the where and how.
A Good Cause
All the extra effort, however, is for a good cause. As the USDA says, when Smart Snacks are available, the healthy choice becomes the easy choice. With almost a quarter of kids’ daily calories possibly coming from snack foods alone, society as a whole has an obligation to ensure student nutrition. Doing so, not only improves their health, but also underpins better academic performance. Plus school systems aren’t alone in providing better snacks to schools. The burden also lies on food and beverage manufacturers to come up with healthier foods with higher nutritional value that still appeal to students.
The YoDots Solution
That’s why we’re so genuinely proud of our YoDots frozen snack products from Dippin’ Dots, which truly top the list of healthy yet fun options that meet the Smart Snack standards set out by the USDA. School lunchrooms in Florida, and across the country can enjoy the amazing texture, taste, and experience always offered by Dippin’ Dots flash frozen beads in yogurt format. Even better, students have a selection of what we consider to be some of our favorite Dippin’ Dots flavors: Banana Split, Cookie Dough, Cookies ‘N Cream, Cotton Candy, and Strawberry Cheesecake. Making sure that students are getting nutritious snacks that put a smile on their faces is one of the best parts of our mission.
Get in Touch
For those in Florida, who are simply looking for help navigating Smart Snack standards in schools, might be interested in adding YoDots to their school system’s menu, or are simply considering a fundraiser either on or off school premises, please don’t hesitate to submit any questions to our experienced team of snack specialists using the link here.
About Total Snacks
Total Snacks’ mission is to always provide the highest quality snack food for people to enjoy wherever and whenever. The business began in 2015 by entrepreneurs Eleazar López Contreras and Mabe León-Ponte, a husband and wife team, who immediately noticed a lack of high quality snacking options around their new home in Miami, Florida. From its humble beginnings as a single retail kiosk, the couple has worked tirelessly and creatively to bring the best in class snack foods to the region.
Today, Total Snacks stands out as the premier provider of snack foods and catering in Miami. Its products can be found in over 300 independent outlets, the company provides contract catering solutions to some of the largest sporting and entertainment venues in the area, while bringing smiles to thousands of people a year through its corporate and private catering activities. Despite its success, Total Snack has never wavered from its core mission to offer the highest quality snack foods and the best customer service.
