Release No. 0264.08
Contact: Regan Hopper (703) 305-2281
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Secretary Schafer Recognizes Schools for Excellence in Nutrition
Kentucky Exceeds 100 School Milestone in Healthier US School Challenge
LOUISVILLE, KY, Oct. 15, 2008 - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today traveled
to Kentucky to recognize the state's schools as the first to lead through USDA's
HealthierUS School Challenge for improved school nutrition, in celebration of
National School Lunch Week.
"The impressive voluntary success of the HealthierUS School Challenge
provides elementary school children good nutrition and sets the pattern for
healthy eating and physical activity that will last their lifetime," said
Schafer.
Since its inception in 2004, 500 elementary schools have excelled in the
HealthierUS School Challenge. Schools recognized in the challenge voluntarily
exceed existing standards for promoting good nutrition, and encouraging physical
activity. USDA awards these schools Gold, Silver and Bronze status for creating
healthier school nutrition environments. As part of this week's celebrations,
Schafer applauded Kentucky for being the first state with 185 awards in the
HealthierUS School Challenge.
"The quality of children's diets plays a significant role in classroom
success," said USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
Nancy Montanez Johner. "HealthierUS schools are models for the nation in
motivating children to achieve healthier and more active lifestyles."
USDA provides nutritious foods to schools through the commodities
distribution program. Commodity foods, including whole grain pasta, low fat
cheeses, and reduced fat meats, represent 15-20 percent of products served in
the National School Lunch Program. USDA has worked to reduce levels of saturated
fat, sodium, and sugar in foods made available to schools to ensure more
healthful diets.
The National School Lunch Program serves nutritionally balanced meals to more
than 31 million children in 101,000 schools and residential childcare
institutions each school day. National School Lunch Week was established in 1963
by Presidential Proclamation to raise awareness and support the National School
Lunch Program and the critical service it provides.
For more information about the National School Lunch Program and the
HealthierUS School Challenge visit
www.fns.usda.gov.
Last modified:
12/05/2008
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