Washington County Public Schools has gained national attention as all 27 of its elementary schools achieved the Bronze level award in the  HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Sponsored by USDA 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 and USDA commend these 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, each school will receive a HUSSC award plaque, a banner to display, and a monetary award. The names of the schools will be posted on the Team Nutrition HUSSC website at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/HealthierUS/awardwinners.html.

Washington County is the seventh public school system in the state to receive HealthierUS School Challenge recognition. The Maryland State Department of Education 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.