Smart Snacks for Special Events at School
The North Winn School wellness committee requests that families and
teachers choose non-food items or activities for rewards and parties.
Food snacks that meet three guidelines may be served at school:
1. They don’t contain allergens that are dangerous for any child in the class.
2. They meet the USDA “Smart Snacks” guidelines.
3. Food prepared at home is not allowed.
All food except fresh fruit and vegetables must have nutrition and allergy labels. Full-sized packages of
crackers, dried fruit, cereal, yogurt, etc., can be divided into portions at school. Otherwise, food should
be packaged in individual-serving sizes.
Concerning allergies: The school nurse and class teacher will know a student’s specific allergies, and be
responsible for reading food labels to avoid giving dangerous foods to that child.
The Smart Snacks guidelines include:
 Calories: No more than 200 calories per serving.
 “Whole grain” is the first ingredient in breads, crackers, cereals, etc.
 Fat: No more than 35% of calories from fat. No more than 10% saturated fat, and no trans fats.
 Sugar or other sweeteners: No more than 35% added sugar by weight. Sugars are listed in grams
under carbohydrates on the nutrition facts label. 28 grams = 1 ounce.
 Multi-ingredient foods: The first ingredient is fruit, vegetable, a protein food, whole grain or dairy.
Beverage serving size for elementary children is 8 ounces (except water). Smart choices include:
 Plain water (with or without carbonation)
 Plain or flavored low fat or fat free milk
 100% fruit or vegetable juice
 100% juice diluted with water (with or without carbonation.)
Smart Snacks calculator: https://foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org/calculator/
Enter a few facts from the nutrition label to see if a food product meets the guidelines.
Here are some Smart Snack suggestions from Iowa school nurses:
Fresh vegetables
Fresh fruit
100% frozen fruit bars, or “popsicles” that have small amounts of sweetener added.
The following snacks can be smart if they have 35% or less fat and 35% or fewer added-sugar grams
 Applesauce or fruit cups or squeezes
 Graham or animal crackers crackers
 Granola or other whole grain bars
 Cottage cheese cups
 Low fat mini yogurt cups or squeezes
 Fig Newton-type cookies
 Pudding cups
 Trail mix
 Dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, etc.
These snacks can be smart if they have 200 mg or less sodium per serving:
 Whole grain chips or crackers
 Nuts or seeds
 Fruit or vegetable chips or crisps
 Cheese sticks or cubes
 Popcorn (you send it- we’ll pop it)
 Meat sticks
Ideas student “make their own” buffets:
 Mini bagels (whole grain) with 100% fruit spread, cream cheese, nut butter, etc.
 Trail mix with ingredients that individually meet the Smart Snacks guidelines
 Yogurt parfaits: Plain yogurt, fresh fruit, fruit sauce, granola, nuts, seeds, etc.
 Fruit and/or vegetables on a stick: wash, peel and cut at school or bagged from the store
 Carbonated (fizzy) plain water mixed with 100% fruit juice or 100% fruit juice concentrate.
North Winneshiek School
Smart Special Event Ideas
North Winn staff work to provide nutritious meals
and plenty of physical activity during our school day.
We are now joining other schools across the country
in having school rewards and special events that also promote healthy habits.
We encourage non-food “treats” for special events, but foods that meet Smart Snacks guidelines
will be permitted. We regret to say that homemade foods are no longer allowed in school. Ingredients may
be brought to school and prepared here. See the “Smart Snacks for Special Events” page.
Individual teachers will arrange for non-food or food contributions to class parties, such as
Halloween. In addition, we will be happy to recognize your child on the day of their choice, such as their
birthday. Please choose from the list below, or add your own suggestion.
Name: ______________________________ would like to have a special day on: __________________.
My family will supply __________________________________________________________________.
We need teacher/school to supply _________________________________________________________.
o Extra recess: The class will enjoy some extra recess outside or in the gym (as available).
o Dance party: Bring music from home or choose classroom favorites to play.
o Game time: Bring favorite board or card games from home or choose classroom favorites.
o Guest read aloud: Choose a family member or school staff to read to the class.
o Meet My Pet: With teacher’s approval, a family member brings in an appropriate animal.
o Indoor free time: Arrange with teacher what activities are available and length of time.
o Art activity: The class can have extra art time in the classroom.
o Show-and-tell: The class can have a special show-and-tell time.
o Special craft: Please arrange with the teacher for the time allowed and supplies needed.
o Privileges for the day: Your child’s teacher will suggest privileges for the day, e.g. sit in the
teacher’s chair, wearing a crown or other distinguishing item, going first (or last) for activities, etc.
o Food activity: A family member prepares, or helps all the students prepare, a snack in the
classroom. For example: fruit kabobs, veggie faces. See attached Smart Snack information.
o Other: ______________________________________________________ arranged with teacher.