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AA448 – Vending Machines and Sale of Foods in Schools Outside of Reimbursable Meals

  • Effective: 1/27/2009
  • Revised: 9/25/2018
  • Reviewed: 3/26/2013
  1. Board Directive

    The Board of Education is committed to good nutritional practices that enhance student learning.  The responsibility to establish requirements regarding vending machines and foods sold outside of the reimbursable meal service in schools is delegated to the District Administration.
  2. Administrative Policy
    1. Vending Machines
      1. All agreements for vending machines shall be in writing in a contract form. Appropriate procurement bidding procedures and policies shall be followed when selecting vendors.
      2. Vending machines for faculty use only are acceptable at all schools and District facilities.  Proceeds may be used for staff appreciation or other school programs, as determined by the school principal or building administrator within the guidelines established by the District Financial Accounting Manual.  These funds should be accounted for separately from student-related vending activity.
      3. Vending machines distributing drinks or food with student access are only allowed at secondary schools.   (See Wellness Policy—AA446)
      4. Vending machines distributing items such as pencils, notebooks, etc., shall be allowed at all school levels.
      5. Acceptable uses of vending machine income shall be at the discretion of the school principal or building administrator, subject to rules outlined in the Financial Accounting Manual.
    2. Other Food Sales at Schools
      1. This policy includes food that is not part of the reimbursable lunch, breakfast or after-school snack program such as vending, a la carte, student-operated restaurants, or other food sales.
      2. Foods which contain minimal nutritional value are discouraged.
      3. Under current Federal School Lunch Regulations, no foods of minimal nutritional value can be sold in eating areas (anywhere in the school where students eat school lunches including classrooms and common areas) during school meal serving periods (7 CFR Part 210.11 and 220.12).