Eileen Ferruggiaro, RD, PhD SNA USDA/State Agency Conference November 30, 2011

What Is the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC)? Voluntary certification initiative Recognizes excellence in nutrition and physical activity in schools Grants certification for 4 years

HUSSC Goals

HealthierUS Criteria Consistent with 2005 Dietary Guidelines Reflect IOMs recommendations for foods sold outside the school meals program Specific for 4 levels of recognition: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold of Distinction

Common Criteria Participate in the NSLP Be a Team Nutrition School Offer reimbursable lunches that reflect the Dietary Guidelines and meet USDA nutrition standards Provide more nutritious competitive foods, if offered Have a local school wellness policy

Criteria for Average Daily Participation BronzeSilverGoldGold of Distinction ElementaryNo criteria60%70% MiddleNo criteria60%70% HighNo criteria45%65%

Additional Criteria Whole Grains Fruits Vegetables Fat-free and Low-fat Milk Set limits on the total fat, trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, total sugars, and portion sizes Allow these beverages: Low-fat, fat-free milk 100% fruit and vegetable juice Unflavored, non-carbonated water

Criteria for Nutrition Education, Physical Education, Physical Activity

School Health Policies & Practices Fundraising Nutrition Physical activity Wellness policy Policies & practices support a consistent wellness environment Policies & practices support a consistent wellness environment

Applying is Easier Than Ever... Visit –Online Interactive Applications –Online Competitive Foods Calculator –Online Technical Assistance Tools –Application Kit –Submit applications electronically –Simplified district application process

HUSSC Incentives BronzeSilverGoldGold of Distinction Amount $500$1,000$1,500$2,000 Schools certified under the 2009 criteria are eligible for monetary incentives

Review Process State Regional Office Headquarters

Review Process State Regional Office Headquarters

Tools Application Toolkit (FAQs) Menu Review Form Gold Award of Distinction Review Form (token items) Binder with tabs – color-coded menu items

Gold Award of Distinction Review Form

Streamlining Approval Production Records –Calendar lunch menu should match what is listed on production records. –List items in quantifiable units, (pounds, ounces, #10 cans, etc) or by number of servings. –Ensure that adequate portion sizes can be determined through the documentation provided. –Clearly state how many servings were served and how many were leftover.

Streamlining Approval, Continued Additional Documentation –Include recipes, manufacturer documentation, or product label for combination foods, and items that may need clarification in meeting HUSSC criteria (i.e. vegetable medleys, all whole grain items). –Competitive food items should be entered into calculator correctly to reflect documentation. –Offer versus Serve procedure should be clearly stated in the cover letter or application.

Best Practices Solicit helpers - Request NFSMI training, nutrition student help, Fuel Up to Play 60, Action for Healthy Kids, mentoring schools, etc. Apply for Team Nutrition Grants Use HUSSC online resources and conduct workshops and analyze barriers Coach schools through the process and encourage questions/comments from schools Promote submission of a district-wide application Encourage complete production records Celebrate Achievements!!

Take the Challenge – Get Awarded! Hollin Meadows Elementary School Fairfax County, Virginia Silver Award Gooding Elementary School Gooding School District, Idaho Gold Award of Distinction Ridgeview Elementary School (left) Colfax, Illinois Silver Award

New Resources

Healthier Middle Schools Everyone can help. Engage teachers, principals, parents, food service managers and students in school wellness efforts Short video clips and handout for each audience There is power in numbers

Healthier Middle Schools Everyone can help. Teachers not Health/ not PE (Number of groups) Parents (Number of groups) Students (Number of groups) Phase 1: January/February 2011 Baltimore, MD12 (1 Moms, 1 Dads)2 (1 girls, 1 boys) Riverside CA12 (1 Moms, 1 Dads)2 (1 girls, 1 boys) Cleveland, OH12 (1 Moms, 1 Dads)2 (1 girls, 1 boys) Phase 2: August 2011 Dallas, TX12 (1 Moms, 1 Dads)2 (1 girls, 1 boys) Atlanta, GA12 (1 Moms, 1 Dads)2 (1 girls, 1 boys) Des Moines, IA12 (1 Moms, 1 Dads)2 (1 girls, 1 boys)

Healthier Middle Schools Everyone can help. Principals (Number of groups) School Nutrition Professionals (Number of Groups) Phase 1: January/February Phase 2: August States represented (Principals): MS, TX, AR, IA, WV, MI, UT, SC, NY, FL, IL, NC, OH States represented (SNP): CA, TX, FL, MI, AR, MS, TN, ND, WI, OH

Healthier Middle Schools Everyone can help.

Healthier Middle Schools Print Materials

HUSSC Success Stories