Overview

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Section 10-221q of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) governs beverages available for sale to students in public schools. This statute applies to beverages available for sale as part of school meals and separately from school meals anywhere on school premises at all times, such as cafeteria sales, school stores, vending machines, fundraisers, and any other locations where beverages are sold.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Smart Snacks nutrition standards apply to beverages available for sale to students separately from school meals during the school day on school premises, such as cafeteria a la carte sales, school stores, vending machines, fundraisers, and any other locations where beverages are sold. Smart Snacks applies to public schools, private schools, and residential child care institutions (RCCIs) that participate in the USDA's school nutrition programs, e.g., National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program SBP), Afterschool Snack Program (ASP), and Special Milk Program (SMP).

Section 10-221q and Smart Snacks have different requirements. Public schools must comply with the stricter provisions of each law. All schools (public and private) and institutions that participate in the USDA's school nutrition programs must also comply with Sections 10-215b-1 and 10-215b-23 of the state competitive foods regulations.