Federal standards to promote healthier snacks in schools

Snacks available in schools will have to meet minimum nutrition standards under new rules finalized this week by the U.S. Agriculture Department.

The department says the standards, called "Smart Snacks in School," are intended to "make the healthy choice the easy choice for America's young people."

"Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children," said Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement released by the department. "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."

The St. Paul Public Schools have already embraced standards more strict than those of other districts. We speak with Jean Ronnei, director of nutrition for St. Paul Public Schools, about the newly announced federal standards.

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