MONTGOMERY, AL - A state celebration today in Pelham, Alabama, honored 52 Alabama public schools that are recipients of the 2010 USDA HealthierUS Schools Challenge Awards. These awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch Programs honor schools for promoting a healthy school environment. Only 60 schools nationwide received the USDA’s highest recognition – the Gold Award of Distinction – and 39 of those schools are in Alabama.
USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Janey Thornton recognized Alabama’s schools for meeting USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge at a high level. Alabama schools earned USDA HealthierUS Schools Challenge Awards in Gold, Silver and Bronze levels for offering students healthy food choices, providing physical activity and promoting healthy lifestyles. Schools receive monetary awards:
· Gold Award of Distinction - $2,000
· Gold - $1,500
· Silver - $1,000
· Bronze - $500
USDA has issued a challenge to schools throughout the nation to make changes to their school wellness environment, improve the quality of the foods served, provide opportunity for physical activity, and provide students with more nutritious, healthy choices. The HealthierUS School Challenge was established in 2004 to recognize schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. It is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation.
Dr. Joe Morton, State Superintendent of Education, congratulated the schools: “We’re very proud of these 52 schools. USDA and our State Board of Education believe schools should be taking a leadership role in helping students learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices. These award-winning schools are serving quality meals and teaching healthy lifestyles to our children.”
“Childhood obesity makes these schools’ achievements even more significant,” continued Morton. “I commend them for leading the way in improving the school wellness environment and encourage other schools to follow their example.”
In addition to Dr. Thornton and Dr. Morton, local, state and national dignitaries joined the celebration including Michael Staley, Chief of Staff for Congressman Spencer Bachus; Don Arnette, Southeast Regional Administrator, USDA Food and Nutrition Service; Dr. Craig Pouncey, Deputy State Superintendent of Education; Perry Fulton, Child Nutrition Director, Alabama Department of Education; June Barrett, Education Administrator, School Nutrition Programs, Alabama Department of Education; and local superintendents, principals and child nutrition directors.
Several local celebrations are planned. Schedule is subject to change. Please contact your local school or school system.
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