 |
HealthierUS School Challenge
The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) was established in 2004 through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve the health of children in the United States. This is a voluntary initiative which recognizes schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. There are four levels of HUSSC accomplishment: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Gold with Distinction.
Please note that starting July 1, 2012, there will be new criteria for HUSSC designation. These new criteria reflect changes to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meal pattern requirements. All new applications submitted to the State agency on or after July 1, 2012, will be considered using the new criteria.
When a school is designated as a HUSSC award winner, the school pledges to continue to support health and wellness initiatives throughout the four-year certification period. This includes serving lunch meals that (1) meet the School Meal Initiative (SMI) requirements, (2) include low fat or fat free milk, a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes and (3) are low in saturated fats, trans fat, dietary cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. There are also nutrition education, physical education, physical activity, and environmental policy requirements that should continue during the entire certification period.
Schools that attain the designation of a HUSSC school receive monetary awards:
Award Level |
Federal Funds |
State Funds* |
Total Award |
Gold with Distinction |
$2,000 |
$6,000 |
$8,000 |
Gold |
$1,500 |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
Silver |
$1,000 |
$3,000 |
$4,000 |
Bronze |
$500 |
$1,500 |
$2,000 |
* Contingent upon availability of funds
All schools may apply for the HUSSC recognition; however, State funds are strictly limited to public schools. State funding is limited to $200,000 per year. Please see Mississippi State Board of Education Policy 4011 for more information regarding State incentives and nutrition standards: (www.mde.k12.ms.us/SBE_policymanual/4011.htm).
Effective July 1, 2011, HUSSC applicants that have been awarded previously will be allowed to begin the application process for a higher award level one year from the date they received their last award.
To begin the HUSSC application process, download the application materials from the internet links below.
|
|
|
