Outside Food & Beverage

Life-threatening allergy management in school requires a team effort from the student, parent/legal guardian, healthcare provider, school nurse and school staff. Outside food manufacturer food labeling interpretation has significant challenges for nurses and teaching staff due to limited FDA mandates on manufacturer ingredient listings. Additionally, outside food may lack federal meal component requirements and increase classroom distraction. Elementary and middle schoolers are especially vulnerable to these challenges. Therefore, per adopted School Board Policy 3-85, outside food and/or drink brought into a classroom school setting by parents/legal guardians, volunteers, students, or staff members for holidays, celebrations, and rewards that is intended to be shared with other students during the school day shall be rare and approved by the Principal/designee.

Please refer to the Food and Beverage Guidelines document, which includes healthy snack and beverage ideas.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) considers the care of students a top priority and seeks to work with parents/legal guardians to manage life-threating food allergies and other special dietary needs of the student.

VBCPS is committed to ensuring that all foods and beverages available to students on the school campus during the school day support healthy eating. It is recommended foods offered on the school campus meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School guidance. These include snacks for celebrations or classroom snacks provided by staff or parents/legal guardians.

All parents/legal guardians, volunteers and students wanting to bring outside food into the school to be shared with other students must receive prior approval and must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. It is recommended all foods and beverages be selected from the “Healthy Snack and Beverage Ideas” on the Office of Food Services website.

2. Outside food and beverages to be shared with students must be pre-approved by your school at least two days prior to the celebration event.

3. All items being served must be bought and must remain in the original sealed container with the manufacturer label intact (from the store).

Further details regarding USDA Smart Snacks can be found on the following website:

USDA Smart Snacks