The Guam Education Board has approved updates to its food and nutrition policy, adopting federal Smart Snacks standards for all foods and beverages sold to students during the school day, the Guam Department of Education announced Wednesday.
The revised Board Policy 705 reflects recommendations from the Nutrition and Fitness Advisory Council, a body composed of school administrators, faculty, parents, students and community stakeholders that reviewed existing practices to identify ways to strengthen nutrition standards across public schools.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Smart Snacks standards extend beyond school breakfast and lunch programs to cover foods and beverages sold through student stores, vending machines, fundraisers and other school-sponsored activities. The updated policy will also influence school celebrations and food-related events to make healthier options more readily available throughout the school day.
To support implementation, GDOE will update its Standard Operating Procedures to provide schools with guidance on fundraising, student stores, vending operations and celebrations.
"Healthy and well-nourished students are better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed," said Rynette Perez, Program Coordinator for GDOE's Food and Nutrition Services Management Division. "The adoption of these standards reflects our collective commitment to supporting student wellness."