47 Missouri Schools Receive National Health Awards Learning Process

47 Missouri Schools Receive National Health Awards

Written on July 8, 2011 – 4:22 am | by Imogen Fahey

The School Food Services section of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced today that 47 schools in seven districts have received HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) awards.

The national awards program was established in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to recognize schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have improved their school environment with nutritious foods, physical activity and nutrition education.

To qualify for an award, a school must submit a formal application and meet basic criteria set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, such as offering fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

The HUSSC criteria reflect current U.S. dietary guidelines, as well as recommendations published by the Institute of Medicine for foods that should be served in schools outside of the organized school lunch meals.

Selected schools are recognized at one of four levels of superior performance: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Gold Award of Distinction. Last March, Rockwood School District became the first district in Missouri to qualify for the award.

“We commend the schools that have met the HealthierUS School Challenge,” said Karen Wooton, coordinator of school food services for the state department of education. “Their leadership and commitment to good nutrition and exercise is promoting a healthy lifestyle for their students. We expect to see more schools recognized in the coming year.”

Missouri winners recognized to date are:

Grain Valley South Middle School
Grain Valley North Middle School
Matthews Elementary
Prairie Branch Elementary
Sni-A-Bar Elementary
Stony Point Elementary

Burke Elementary

Belair Elementary
Callaway Hills Elementary
Cedar Hill Elementary
East Elementary
Lawson Elementary
Moreau Heights Elementary
North Elementary
Pioneer Trail Elementary
South Elementary
Thorpe Gordon Elementary
West Elementary

Cecil Floyd Elementary
Columbia Elementary
Duenweg Elementary
Duquesne Elementary
Eastmorland Elementary
Emerson Elementary
Irving Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Kelsey Norman Elementary
McKinley Elementary
Royal Heights Elementary
Stapleton Elementary
West Central Elementary

Gladstone Elementary
Hartman Elementary

High Pointe Elementary

Chesterfield Elementary

Babler Elementary
Blevins Elementary
Geggie Elementary
Green Pines Elementary
Kehrs Mill Elementary
Pond Elementary
Ridge Meadows Elementary
Stanton Elementary
Uthoff Valley Elementary
Westridge Elementary
Wild Horse Elementary
Woerther Elementary

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