September, 2010

What's The Healthier US School Challenge?

The Healthier US School Challenge is a recognition program that provides a set of guidelines to help schools create an environment that promotes healthy lifestyles. It was developed by Team Nutrition of the United States Department of Agriculture. The HUSSC's three goals are to have schools

1. Improve the quality of the foods served on their campuses                           
2. Provide nutrition education
3. Provide physical education and promote physical activity

Schools must meet specific requirements to achieve a bronze, silver, gold, or gold award level. In summary the HUSSC criteria is:

• School meal programs are to offer increased amounts of whole grains and fruits and vegetables, especially fresh dark green and orange vegetables.
• Foods sold outside the cafeteria must meet nutritional standards that restrict the amount of fats, sugar, sodium, and calories.
• Nutrition education is to be taught at different grade levels.
• Physical education is to be taught for a specific number of minutes per week ( at different grade levels) and schools should  promote other physical activities.
• A school wellness plan must be in place.

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 More information, award criteria, and an application to participate in the program can be found at www.teamnutrition.usda.gov.