Chumuckla Elem Receives Gold Award for Healthier US School
Santa Rosa Schools recognized by Healthier US School Challenge
The Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary initiative to recognize those schools participating in the NSLP that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. The criteria includes menu changes to incorporate whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and low fat milk. The criteria also includes nutrition education for students, an established wellness policy and commitment to using non food rewards.
In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced “Let’s Move!” incorporating the HUSSC into her campaign to raise a healthier generation of kids.
In Spring of 2011, Santa Rosa County submitted applications for 14 schools for this initiative. The results are
- Bagdad Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- Bennett Russell Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- Berryhill Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- Chumuckla Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- East Milton Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- Holley Navarre Intermediate School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- Holley Navarre Middle School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- Holley Navarre Primary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- W.H. Rhodes Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
- Pea Ridge Elementary School (Silver)
- S.S. Dixon Primary School (Silver)
- West Navarre Intermediate School (Silver)
- Gulf Breeze Middle School (Bronze)
- Sims Middle School (Bronze)
To date, only seven districts in Florida have received HUSSC award recognition, with all having only one school awarded, other than 5 for Sarasota. Santa Rosa received FOURTEEN!, and was the only district in the state to receive awards for middle schools.
On March 26th the USDA will be sending a delegation to Santa Rosa led by Kevin Concannon, USDA Undersecretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services to celebrate this achievement. The event will be held at 11:15 AM on the campus of Bennett Russell Elementary.
