Press Release: St. Mary's County School Receives National School Health Award
School Recognized For Nutrition And Physical Activity Programs
For Immediate Release Contact: William Reinhard, 410-767-0486
Baltimore, MD (March 26, 2014)
A St. Mary’s County public school, George Washington Carver Elementary, has gained national attention by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for achieving the Silver level award in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC).
Sponsored by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), HUSSC is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. It supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign by recognizing schools that are creating healthier school environments that promote wellness through healthy meals, nutrition education, and physical activity.
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and USDA commend St. Mary’s County Public Schools for their leadership and teamwork to improve the quality of the foods served and for promoting their physical activity program. To acknowledge their achievement, Carver Elementary will receive a HUSSC award plaque, a banner to display, and a monetary award. The school name is posted on the Team Nutrition HUSSC website at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/hussc/healthierus-school-challenge-maryland-award-winners.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools is one of seven public school systems in the state to receive HealthierUS School Challenge recognition, and to date, has two other schools awarded – one at the Bronze level and another at the Silver level. The Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs is encouraging all Maryland school systems to apply for this certification, which establishes Maryland as a leader in student health and wellness.
For more information on Maryland’s School Nutrition Programs, contact MSDE’s School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch at 410-767-0214 or visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org.
The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity employers and providers.
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