The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day. The goal of the Program is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children. The Program also encourages healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is currently available at:

• Hiram W. Dodd Elementary
• Jefferson Elementary School
• Roosevelt Elementary School

The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 required the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold on school grounds during the school day. The school day has been identified as from midnight of the school day to 30 minutes after the school day ends. 

Please note:  The Smart Snacks in School  rules do not apply to foods brought from home as bagged lunches or for birthday/ school celebrations, off-campus fundraisers, athletic events school plays, etc. or foods sold during non-school hours (30-mins. after the school day ends). This also does not apply to adult sales.

The Smart Snacks in School standards stipulate that all snack foods sold in school must be “whole grain rich,” meaning they contain 50 percent whole grains, or have whole grains as the first ingredient, or have as the first ingredient a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, or a protein-rich food.

USDA "Smart Snacks in School” Standards & Rules:

• Calorie limits: Snacks must contain less than or equal to 200 calories
• Sugar limits:  Snacks must contain less than or equal to 35 percent sugar by weight
• Sodium limits:  Snacks must contain less than or equal to 200mg sodium
• Fat limits: Total fat must be less than or equal to 35 percent of calories, Saturated fat must be less than or equal to 10 percent of calories. There must be no trans-fat in the package as served.
• Beverage limits: Differ Based on Grade Level. Allowable beverages for all students are limited to plain water (carbonated or uncarbonated), low-fat milk (unflavored) and nonfat milk (including flavored), nutritionally equivalent milk alternatives (as permitted by the school meal requirements), full strength fruit or vegetable juices, and full strength fruit and vegetable juice diluted with water or carbonated water.
• Beverage portion limits are as follows:
  • 8 fluid ounces for elementary schools.
  • 12 fluid ounces for middle schools and high schools.
  • With the exception of trace naturally occurring caffeine, beverages must be caffeine-free for elementary and middle schools.
  • For High Schools: 
    • Calorie-free beverages are allowed in up to 20-oz containers (less than five calories per 8 ounce serving or less than or equal to 10 calories per 20 fluid ounces).
    • Lower calorie drinks are accepted with up to 40 calories per 8 ounces or 60 calories per 12 ounces.
    • Caffeine is permitted in beverages.

How Does this Impact Our Schools?

• School Stores
• School Fundraisers: A fundraiser is considered 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.

Fundraiser exceptions:

All fundraisers MUST comply with the "Smart Snacks in Schools" Guidelines and meet these nutritional standards, with the following exceptions:

• Elementary and Middle Schools: Are permitted 5 exemptions in one school year
• High School: Are Permitted 10 exemptions in one school year
• The fundraiser exception can ONLY be one week in duration. The exception can NOT occur in food service areas during meal times.
• Schools must ensure that the number of exempt fundraisers is not exceeded.

Click here to submit a Fundraiser Exemption Form

The United States of Agriculture mandates that Health Inspections completed at public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program be made public. You can view the Health Inspections completed in the School District of the City of Allentown two (2) ways.

1. By clicking on the link to find the school on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website
   or
2. By viewing the actual report that is posted at the school location.

Please call Child Nutrition Services with any questions, 1-484-765-4710.

Allentown School District Student Wellness Policy (#246)

The Allentown School District has a Wellness Committee that is comprised of parents, students, administrators, staff, and community members. The committee meets quarterly or as needed, to review and discuss overall wellness for our schools, our students, and our community.

If you are interested in joining the committee, or if you have any questions or comments regarding the District’s Wellness Policy, and want to view a copy of the Wellness Policy Assessment Tool and Report Template, please contact Director of Child Nutrition Services at 484-765-4710.

Schools participating in a federal school meal program (National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program, and Afterschool Snack Program) are required to make reasonable accommodations for children who are unable to eat the school meals because of a disability that restricts the diet.

If you have a student who needs dietary accommodations as a result of a disability that restricts the diet, please refer to page 3 on the following link:  This form needs to be completed by the child’s doctor and signed by a parent/guardian.