JACKSON, Tenn – Once again, Jackson-Madison County Schools are making national news by working to support and improve the health of our children and our community. As part of a collaborative effort, healthy items are featured on their menus and physical education and activity emphasized. Their efforts are part of the Healthier US School Challenge.
The following schools in the Jackson-Madison County School System have qualified for either a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award, as indicated:
- Alexander Elementary School (Gold)
- Denmark Elementary School (Gold)
- Liberty Technology Magnet High School (Gold)
- Lincoln Elementary Magnet School (Gold)
- Madison Academic Magnet High School (Bronze)
- Malesus Elementary School (Gold)
- Montessori School of Bemis (Bronze)
- North Side High School (Silver)
- Nova Elementary School (Gold)
- South Elementary School (Silver)
- South Side High School (Gold)
- Tigrett Middle School (Gold)
The Healthier US School Challenge is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. It supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign by recognizing schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity.
Sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the initiative encourages all schools take a leadership role in helping students to make healthier eating and physical activity choices that will last a lifetime. JMCSS schools that champion the HUSSC work hard to make changes to their school environment in order to
(1) improve the quality of the foods served,
(2) provide students with nutrition education,
(3) provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.
Schools awarded receive a monetary incentive (Bronze $500,Silver $1,000, Gold $1,500 and Gold Award of Distinction $2,000), an award plaque signed by a USDA official, a banner to display in their school, and their name listed on the Team Nutrition Web site.
JMCSS School Nutrition Department Director, Susan Johnson commented, “Congratulations to the school cafeterias and the Coordinated School Health Team for their efforts in achieving these awards. The collaboration between the School Nutrition Department and Coordinated School Health’s work through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation helped make these awards a reality. Our twelve schools are proud to be the only schools in Tennessee to receive this recognition for 2014.” The JMCSS School Nutrition Department is also one of the few programs
in the nation to receive the USDA Best Practice Award for five consecutive years.
