Local Wellness Policy
Fundraising
School fundraisers are including in the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act regulations. A fundraiser is considered any event that includes an activity in which currency/tokens/tickets, etc. are exchanged for the sale/purchase of a product in support of the school or school-related activities. Examples include: baked goods/pretzel/candy bar sales where profits are used to support a school sponsored club or activity, such as the school band or sports team.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has determined that a maximum of 5 (five) exempt fundraisers will be permitted in each elementary and middle school building per year, and a maximum of 10 (ten) exempt fundraisers will be permitted in each high school building per year. Each fundraiser may not exceed one school week. Schools must keep records of all food fundraisers for three years and current school year for PDE School Nutrition Services audits.
Exemptions only apply to fundraisers that do not meet the requirements for foods sold in schools in the Smart Snack Standards. Non-food fundraisers and food fundraisers that meet the requirements of the Smart Snack Standards do not require an exemption.
Exempt fundraisers may not be sold in the cafeteria during meal periods.
Additionally, the Smart Snack Standards only apply to foods sold to students during the school day. Therefore, the Smart Snack Standards are not applicable to fundraisers that take place after the school day (1/2 hour after the last bell). Examples include fundraisers where a brochure is sent home, such as frozen pizzas, subs/sandwiches, etc.
Impact on Schools
All parts of the school selling food to students during the school day have a role in meeting the wellness standards. Foods and beverages sold in schools as fundraisers must meet the nutrition standards. Fundraiser foods and beverages may not be sold in competition with school meals in the food-serving areas during meal service. The snack standards do NOT apply to foods brought into the school by parents or other groups that are provided to students and not sold (i.e. birthday parties, special events).
Compliance
Principals are required to communicate and enforce the competitive snack standards in their buildings. This includes all staff, teachers and school supporters who sell competitive foods in school during the school day. Schools must keep a record of all exempt fundraisers to assure they are not exceeding the annual limits. Copies of the requested documentation should be sent to the School Nutrition Services main office. Fundraising records must be kept on file for three years plus the current year and made available upon request for audit purposes. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is responsible for monitoring compliance to the Federal competitive food standards. PDE will be conducting an Administrative Review of the District, which will include monitoring of competitive food sales in schools.
Fundraiser Tools:
Smart Snack Calculator