| (a) All school cafeterias and dining areas should be healthy nutrition environments. Texas public schools participating in federal child nutrition programs should ensure that all students have daily access to school meals (breakfast and lunch). (b) Schools should not establish policies, class schedules, bus schedules, or other barriers that directly or indirectly restrict meal access. (c) Adequate time should be allowed for students to receive and consume meals, and cafeterias should provide a pleasant dining environment. The minimum recommended eating time for each student after being served is at least 10 minutes for breakfast and 20 minutes for lunch. (d) The Texas Department of Agriculture encourages all school districts to adhere to the coordinated school health and physical activity components of the Texas Education Code. It is recommended that PE or recess should be scheduled before lunch whenever possible. (e) The Texas Department of Agriculture encourages the availability of plain bottled water and 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice at any time anywhere on campus. There is no portion size or serving time restriction on non-carbonated, unflavored, bottled water at any school level. There is no restriction on serving time and location for 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice; however, the portion and sugar restrictions for 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice in the TPNSP must be followed for the appropriate grade levels. It is permissible for the school food service, school or school-supported organizations to sell plain bottled water and 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices that comply with the TPSNP portion and sugar restrictions for the appropriate grade levels, in vending machines or through other means throughout the school day on all campuses. Milk may also be sold, but must also follow the portion and sugar restrictions of the TPSNP for milk. |
