The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has implemented new rules and regulations regarding both Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FNMV) and “competitive foods” effective for the 2004-05 school year. The new rules are part of statewide efforts to promote healthy lifelong eating habits and to combat childhood illness and obesity.

As part of the state's new guidelines, parents are not allowed to send food for other students’ consumption unless they meet the Department of Agriculture guidelines. The new rules impact the types of foods allowed and the portion size. Additional information is provided in the Texas Public School Nutrition: FAQs Page . (Parents are not restricted in what they send to school for their own child to consume.)