USDA's Conner Celebrates Schools' Work For Improved Nutrition

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2007 — Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today marked the opening of National School Lunch Week, highlighting local school wellness and school nutrition through the President's HealthierUS School Challenge. On Wednesday, October 17, Secretary Conner will travel to celebrate with students at Neabsco Elementary School Woodbridge, Virginia.

"Our schools are taking on the HealthierUS School Challenge, and combined with local wellness policies, have raised students' awareness of healthy nutrition," Conner said. "Agriculture offers healthy food choices as an important start to the day, while USDA provides nutritious snack, school breakfast and school lunch opportunities for many of these children."

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The President's HealthierUS School Challenge recognizes elementary schools that voluntarily meet rigorous nutrition criteria established by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, awarding them either Gold, Silver, or Bronze status. As part of its National School Lunch Week celebration, USDA recognizes 46 schools in Prince William County, Virginia, with Gold status. The Prince William County schools are among 176 schools nationwide achieving Gold or Silver level distinction through the HealthierUS School Challenge.

The National School Lunch Program, administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, provides federal assistance to more than 101,000 schools and residential childcare institutions. More than 30 million children each school day are served nutritionally balanced, low-cost, reduced-price or free lunches through the program.

National School Lunch Week was established in 1963 to raise awareness and support for the National School Lunch Program and the role of nutrition education in the lives of children. Find out more about USDA school nutrition programs at www.fns.usda.gov

Source: USDA