twinturbo:

This month the USDA proposed a new "smart snacks in school" standard for any foods sold during school hours.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/2013/001913

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5118/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=10805

It would not impact after school fundraisers or school parties, but would place nutritional limits on all foods sold in the cafeteria and anytime/anywhere else during the school day by vending, school stores, PTA, etc.

twinturbo, I know we're heading off topic with this, but wanna say as to "when did this tradition start" --

some of us have discussed in the past and it has to be a 70s thing.  Most of us recalled little-to-none of that "it's my birthday and I'll cupcake if I want to" crap when we were in elementary school in the 1960s and early 1970s.

However, it may vary by region in the USA.

In Nevada, there was next-to-none of that crap for birthdays:  we went to each other's bday parties AFTER school or on weekends.  Formal, written invitations were received, RSVPd, and the simple, appropriate party enjoyed OFF SCHOOL TIME.  Closest friends were invited (ONLY), children arrived on time and left on time, there might have been a single party favor (not a loot bag).  Thank yous were handwritten and sent promptly.

If it all sounds a bit "Leave it to Beaver"ish, well


IT WAS.

And it was appropriate, right-sized and NOT AT SCHOOL.

Whew.

Clearly I'm a bit passionate about this topic.   

I absolutely must find the link later, must, but I saw an article regarding the USDA setting a limit on extraneous calories in school settings to 150 per some time allotment I fail to recall at the moment, But, you all are gonna LOVE this, it was limited to preserve the traditions of in class birthday treats, food based celebrations, and other extra curricular activities using food. Clearly that'll address those extra calories!!! Granted I'm a latchkey kid from NYC, Southie (Boston), and NJ public schools but when did this grand tradition start? We got detention for any food outside the cafeteria.

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(Outdated post)

This may be a good place to post that really helpful USDA doc.  I'll look for it tomorrow.

http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/10/01/ask-a-school-meals-expert-how-are-schools-helping-students-adjust-to-the-new-school-meals/

Thought a dedicated USDA thread might be good too -- not as to the USDA form for LTFA student, but for other possibly related to food allergy & school.