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.