Parkland Director of Food Services Todd Holmes presented a report at the Oct. 21 school board meeting on the Smart Snacks in School guidelines issued in July by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Although similar regulations were given for cafeteria meals in the past, the new rules apply to any food sold on campus during the school day.

Items in vending machines and school stores have to comply with the Smart Snack standards but foods brought in students' lunch bags from home or are given away are not included in the Smart Snack program.

Holmes said school nutrition standards have been modified to address concern toward the one-third of U.S. children who are overweight or obese.

Sodium levels have been reduced 50 percent; buns have to be whole grain and the menu must include a dark green and an orange vegetable at least once a week.

To avoid waste, Parkland's staff try to present food the students want to eat, Holmes said.

Although the food industry offers many sweet potato products which qualify as an orange vegetable, students are not fond of them.

Holmes said the breakfast program has gone up 35 percent since last September.

"The high school is booming for breakfast," Holmes said.

Students may have pancakes, bagels and other hot foods when they arrive at school in the morning.

Holmes pointed out all snack items must meet calorie, sodium, fat and sugar limits.

There is no whole milk sold – only low fat or non-fat. Juices and flavored or carbonated beverages are also regulated.

Board member Jef Reyburn commented on the matter.

"Lifestyle and cultural diversity affect what we eat," Reyburn said. "I applaud you for the gymnastics you have to go through to comply with this. Isn't there something we can do for kids to look forward to?"

Holmes said food suppliers are responding to the guidelines with new products and beverages that are appealing to young people.

"We're selling eating habits for the student body," Holmes said. "It's a challenge for us. I thought there would be complaints in my email from students and parents, but I haven't had any."