Private Schools and RCCIs

Private schools and RCCIs that participate in the USDA school nutrition programs must comply with the USDA Smart Snacks nutrition standards for all beverages available for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals during the school day (the period from the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day). Beverage sales must also comply with Sections 10-215b-1 and 10-215b-23 of the state competitive foods regulations.

Allowable Beverages

• Allowable Fluid Milk Substitutes for Non-disability Reasons in the School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
• Summary of Smart Snacks Nutrition Standards (CSDE)
• List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages (CSDE webpage): Includes beverages that comply with the state beverage statute (C.G.S. 10-221q) and USDA's Smart Snacks beverage standards

Federal and State Requirements

Overview

• Comparison Chart: USDA Smart Snacks Standards and Connecticut Nutrition Standards (CSDE)
• Competitive Foods in Schools (CSDE webpage)
• Overview of Federal and State Laws for Competitive Foods in Connecticut Public Schools, Private Schools, and Residential Child Care Institutions (CSDE)
• Questions and Answers on Connecticut Statutes for School Foods and Beverages (CSDE)
• Requirements for Competitive Foods in Private Schools and RCCIs (CSDE)
• Resources for Meeting the Federal and State Requirements for Competitive Foods in Schools (CSDE)
• Smart Snacks Nutrition Standards (CSDE webpage)
• Summary Chart: Federal and State Requirements for Competitive Foods in Private Schools and RCCIs (CSDE) 

Culinary Programs

• Requirements for Foods and Beverages in Culinary Programs in Private Schools and RCCIs (CSDE)

Fundraisers

• Requirements for Food and Beverage Fundraisers in Private Schools and RCCIs (CSDE)

School Stores

• Requirements for Foods and Beverages in School Stores in Private Schools and RCCIs (CSDE)

Vending Machines

• Requirements for Foods and Beverages in Vending Machines in Private Schools and RCCIs (CSDE)