North Haven Awarded HeathierUS School Challenge Award

The following is a press release from the School Nutrition Association of Connecticut.

The HealthierUS School Challenge awards are a way for the USDA to recognize schools that have created healthier school environments through improvements in the quality of school meals while providing both nutrition and physical education to promote healthy lifestyles. 

The HUSSC is a key component in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign and has also helped prepare schools to implement the meal pattern changes developed by the USDA for nation-wide implementation starting school year 2012-1013.

The USDA has awarded the winners for school year 2011-2012, which include awarding the Bronze HealthierUS School Challenge Award Level to the following North Haven: Clintonville Elementary, Green Acres Elementary,Montowese Elementary, and Ridge Road Elementary. 

Less than 6 percent of the nation’s eligible schools have earned this distinction.

This recognition is the product of a yearlong effort between North Haven administration and staff, which includes Director of Dining Services Jill Donnelly, food service personnel, many additional school staff and the School Nutrition Association, which provides assistance and resources to assist individual school districts improve performance.

Achieving this award reiterates North Haven food service team’s commitmentto promoting a healthy school environment for its students.

“We are thrilled to achieve this distinction and are so grateful for all the support the North Haven Schools gave us. Their support was truly appreciated," said Director of Dining Services, Jill Donnelly.

In order to qualify for the Bronze award, North Haven had to demonstrate the school meets all the HUSSC nutritional requirements on an on-going basis, serving a variety of healthier foods that appeal to the students, planning meals that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products; and that include lean proteins and foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

Furthermore, the school was required to prove its compliance with nutrition education, wellness, and the physical activity criteria of the HUSSC according to age group.

The award ceremony took place at the Second Annual School Breakfast Summit in East Hartford on April 26th. 

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Regional Administrator, James Arena-DeRosa was on hand to present theHealthierUS awards, a commemorative plaque, HUSSC banners, and a check for $2,000.00 to the school district.

For more details on the USDA’S HeathierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) visit:www.teamnutrition.usda.gov.