Based on data from the National School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS), 2014:

• Seventy-four percent of schools sell soft drinks to students (includes all venues, not just during the school day).
• Nearly one fourth (22%) of schools allow soft drink companies to advertise soft drinks on vending machines. This percentage is higher among high schools, compared with middle and elementary schools.
• The percentage of schools that hold fundraiser nights at fast food restaurants has increased from 25% to 37% since 2006. Over one half of schools sell baked goods not low in fat (e.g., cookies) for school fundraisers.
• Only 6% of schools enable students to purchase fruits or vegetables from vending machines, school stores, or snack bars.
• Fewer than one fourth (23.2%) of schools have a policy stating that if food is served at student parties, then fruits or vegetables will be among the foods offered. Only 5.1% of schools have a similar policy related to concession stands.
• Less than one half (46.6%) of schools prohibit or actively discourage staff from using food or food coupons as a reward for good behavior or good academic performance. [Providing or withholding food should not be used to reward or punish students.]

Source: Data from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study [SHPPS]

The standards are established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy eating pattern to maintain health and reduce the risk of disease through five overarching guidelines:

1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan.
2. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount.
3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.
4. Shift o healthier food and beverage choices.
5. Support healthy eating patterns for all.

The standards, required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, require schools to offer healthier snack foods and beverages while limiting junk food. All foods and beverages sold at school during the school day are required to meet nutrition standards. The Smart Snacks in School regulation applies to foods sold a la carte, in the school store, vending machines, and any other venues where food is sold to students.

In addition to nutrition education classes, there are a number of ways schools can provide opportunities for students to learn about healthy eating. For example, schools can establish vegetable gardens or provide taste testing opportunities to introduce and sample new and nutritious foods.

Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program are required to make free drinking water available to students during lunch where the lunch meals are served. Schools participating in the School Breakfast Program must make drinking water available when breakfast is served in the cafeteria. In addition to these requirements, CDC recommends that schools make drinking water available throughout the school day by providing access to water fountains, dispensers, and hydration stations throughout the school; ensuring that water fountains are clean and properly maintained; and allowing students to have water bottles in class or to go to the water fountain if they need to drink water.