Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) Office of Child Nutrition April D. Catchings October 14, 2014 New Administrator Orientation

Nation’s primary source of health information for people ages 2 years and older. National School Lunch Act (NSLA) requires that school meals be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 ©MDE – Child Nutrition 2 New Administrator Orientation 2014

What is Choosemyplate? ©MDE – Child Nutrition 3 New Administrator Orientation 2014 Gives practical ways to promote health and wellness. Helps with meal planning. Reduce consumption of empty calorie foods.

Food Components to Increase: Vegetables and fruits Whole Grain Rich foods (WGR) Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products Variety of protein foods Use oils to replace solid fats where possible New Administrator Orientation 2014©MDE – Child Nutrition 4

Recommendations from 2010 DGA: Eat Healthy Consume fewer calories Make informed food choices Become physically active maintain a healthy weight promote overall health reduce their risk of chronic diseases New Administrator Orientation 2014 ©MDE – Child Nutrition 5

Balance weight with physical activity: Reduce the risk of overweight and obesity Reduce sedentary behaviors Maintain calorie balance during each stage of life: childhood adolescence adulthood pregnancy senior citizens ©MDE – Child Nutrition 6

Foods to Reduce: Sodium Saturated Fats (< 10% of calories) Dietary cholesterol (< 300 mg per day) Trans fat Added Sugars Solid fats New Administrator Orientation 2014©MDE – Child Nutrition 7

HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC): Voluntary certification initiative recognizing excellence in school nutrition/physical activity DGA’s 2012 changes to school meal patterns 4 Awards Levels Bronze Silver Gold Gold Award of Distinction New Administrator Orientation 2014©MDE – Child Nutrition 8

Goal of HUSSC: To improve the health of the nation’s children by promoting healthier school environments and improving the quality of meals served. New Administrator Orientation 2014©MDE - Your Program Name 9

Criteria’s for HUSSC: 1. Submit a formal application (revised September 2014) 2. Submit local wellness policy 3. Commit to a 4 year certification 4. Participate in the NSLP and SBP 5. Ensure meals meet the new meal pattern 6. Must follow Smart Snacks Standards 7. Provide students with nutrition education 8. Provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity 9. Enroll as a Team Nutrition School New Administrator Orientation 2014©MDE – Child Nutrition 10

For more information about applying for the HUUSC Award contact: Ms. April Catchings: or Mrs. Peggy James at: New Administrator Orientation 2014©MDE – Child Nutrition 11

New Administrator Orientation 2014 ©MDE – Child Nutrition 12

April D. Catchings Director of Nutrition Education Office of Child Nutrition P.O. Box 771 Jackson, MS Office: (601) New Administrator Orientation 2014©MDE – Child Nutrition 13