HealthierUS School Challenge Adrienne Elise Haschke, MS, RD Curriculum Development Specialist Texas Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

HealthierUS School Challenge What: A voluntary certification initiative developed by the USDA Why: To improve the health of the Nation’s children by promoting healthier school environments How: Recognize excellence in quality of foods served, nutrition education and physical activity

HealthierUS Schools will: 1. Meet all school meals requirements 2. Provide nutrition education 3. Provide physical education 4. Provide opportunities for physical activity 5. Meet HUSSC criteria throughout 4-year certification period

Gold Award of Distinction Four award levels Bronze Silver Gold Gold Award of Distinction

School Meals Criteria Whole Grains Fruits Vegetables

Whole Grains Per New Meal Pattern, a percentage of weekly grain offerings must be whole grain-rich Breakfast SY 2013-2014 Lunch SY 2012-2103 HUSSC criteria goes above and beyond the New Meal Pattern requirements Criteria differ for breakfast and lunch and for each award level

Fruits Per New Meal Pattern, fruit serving sizes are required HUSSC criteria goes above and beyond the New Meal Pattern requirements Variety Fresh fruits Criteria differ for breakfast and lunch and for each award level

Vegetables Per New Meal Pattern, vegetable serving sizes are required, as well as vegetable subgroups HUSSC criteria goes above and beyond the New Meal Pattern requirements Additional variety Criteria differ for lunch and for each award level

Nutrition Education Elementary School: all students, all grades Middle School One grade for Bronze and Silver Two grades for Gold and Gold Award of Distinction High School: two courses required to graduate Texas Department of Agriculture

Physical Education Elementary School: provide to all students, in all grades, throughout the school year Middle School: offer in at least two grades, for all award levels High School: offer in at least two courses, for all award levels Texas Department of Agriculture

Physical Activity Must provide opportunities, such as recess, intramural sports, walking clubs, etc. May not be enforced or denied as a form of punishment Texas Department of Agriculture

Additional Criteria Competitive Foods Local School Wellness Policy Other Criteria for Excellence Texas Department of Agriculture

Other Criteria for Excellence School Food Service Program Outreach 2 of 20 Nutrition Education Physical Activity Bronze School and Community Involvement in Wellness

Other Criteria for Excellence School Food Service Program Outreach 4 of 20 Nutrition Education Physical Activity Silver School and Community Involvement in Wellness

Other Criteria for Excellence School Food Service Program Outreach 6 of 20 Nutrition Education Physical Activity Gold School and Community Involvement in Wellness

Other Criteria for Excellence School Food Service Program Outreach 8 of 20 Nutrition Education Physical Activity Gold of Distinction School and Community Involvement in Wellness

In Summary HealthierUS School Challenge is a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes healthy school environments Partnership is crucial to exhibiting excellence in the 3 broad categories: School Food, Education and Physical Activity

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.