The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary initiative established by the USDA to recognize schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that work to create healthier school environments through nutrition and physical activity.
The focus areas to promote healthier school environments include: healthy school breakfasts and lunches, nutrition education and physical education, and opportunities for physical activity. At this time, awards are given to schools who commit to meeting the criteria throughout the 4 year certification period. To date, HUSSC awards have been given to schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia. As of May 29, 2013, there are 6,521 schools certified!
Montana Team Nutrition encourages all Montana schools to apply for a HealthierUS School Challenge award. There is an award level to fit any school:
- Bronze ($500)
- Silver ($1,000)
- Gold ($1,500)
- Gold Award of Distinction ($2,000)
Current Award Winners Include:
Belgrade #44 (5/13 – 5/17):
Belgrade Intermediate School (Bronze), Heck/Quaw Elementary School (Bronze), Ridgeview Elementary School (Bronze)
Anaconda School District (4/13 – 4/17):
Anaconda High School (Bronze), Fred Moodry Middle School (Bronze), Lincoln Elementary School (Bronze), W.K. Dwyer School (Bronze)
Libby School District #4 (8/12 – 8/16):
Libby Elementary School (Bronze)
Ennis School District #52:
Ennis Elementary School (Gold), Ennis High School (Silver), Ennis Jr. High School (Gold)
Previous Award Winners Include:
Billings Public Schools-School District #2: Ponderosa Elementary School (Gold)
Bozeman Public Schools #7: Hawthorne Elementary School (Gold), Lolo Elementary School (Gold), Box Elder Public School (Silver), Box Elder Public School (Gold)
Montana Team Nutrition partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Montana Office of Public Instruction to provide this program. For more information, please visit the website at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthierus/index.html.