USDA Announces 'Smart Snacks In School' Nutrition Standards For Food Sold On Campus

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — School snacks are getting their first nutritional overhaul in more than 30 years.

The USDA announced Thursday new "Smart Snacks in School" nutrition standards that will set the limits on fat, salt and sugar in snacks available on campuses, including those sold in vending machines.

"Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "Parents and schools work hard to give our youngsters the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong, and providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines, and snack bars will support their great efforts."

Snacks must be limited to 200 calories and have an increased amount of protein, whole grains and other nutrients.

The nutrition standards were required to be implemented under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

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