WASHINGTON, March 4, 2024 – The future of school meals is looking brighter thanks to the efforts of four school districts across the country. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that these districts in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, and Ohio have been recognized for their exceptional work in improving the nutritional quality of meals for their students. The announcement was made in front of a crowd of 850 school nutrition professionals at the School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference, during National School Breakfast Week.
This is a significant achievement for these school districts, as it not only highlights their dedication to providing healthy and nutritious meals for their students, but also serves as a model for other districts to follow. The awards were given as part of the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), which recognizes schools that have gone above and beyond in promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
In Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District was honored for its Farm to School program, which connects local farmers with schools to provide fresh and locally-grown produce for school meals. This not only supports local agriculture, but also ensures that students are getting the freshest and most nutritious food possible. The district also implemented nutrition education programs to teach students about healthy eating habits and the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diets.
In Iowa, the Des Moines Public Schools were recognized for their innovative approach to school meals, which includes offering a variety of vegetarian and plant-based options. This not only caters to students with dietary restrictions, but also promotes a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly diet. The district also partners with local chefs and restaurants to provide students with unique and delicious meal options.
The RSU 21 School District in Maine was honored for its commitment to reducing sodium and added sugars in school meals. The district worked closely with nutrition experts to reformulate recipes and find healthier alternatives, without sacrificing taste. They also implemented a successful farm-to-cafeteria program, which provides students with fresh and locally-grown produce.
Last but not least, the Columbus City Schools in Ohio were recognized for their efforts in promoting physical activity and wellness among students. The district implemented a comprehensive wellness policy that includes physical education classes, after-school sports programs, and nutrition education. They also partnered with local organizations to provide students with access to recreational facilities and activities.
These four school districts have truly gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote healthy eating and physical activity among their students. Their dedication and innovation serve as an inspiration to other districts and highlight the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of our youth.
The announcement of these awards comes at a fitting time, as March is National Nutrition Month and National School Breakfast Week. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role that schools play in shaping the eating habits and overall health of our children. By providing them with nutritious meals and promoting healthy habits, we are setting them up for a lifetime of success.
In his speech, Secretary Vilsack commended these districts for their trailblazing efforts and encouraged others to follow in their footsteps. “These four school districts have demonstrated that with determination and creativity, we can provide our children with the healthy and nourishing meals they need to thrive,” he said. “I hope that their success will inspire others to join us in this important mission.”
The USDA’s HUSSC program has recognized over 10,000 schools across the country since its inception in 2004. These schools have shown outstanding commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity, making a positive impact on the health and well-being of their students.
As we continue to navigate through the challenges of the pandemic, the importance of providing students with healthy and nutritious meals is more apparent than ever. These four school districts have shown that with determination and innovation, we can overcome any obstacle and continue to prioritize the health of our children.
In conclusion, the awards given to these four school districts are a testament to their dedication and hard work in promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity among their students. They serve as a shining example for others to follow and highlight the crucial role that schools play in shaping the health and well-being of our youth. Let us celebrate their achievements and continue to support and encourage all schools to prioritize the health of our children.
