Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that 50 more Florida schools earned HealthierUS School Challenge designations during March, bringing the current total of Florida’s HUSSC schools to 280. Under Commissioner Putnam’s leadership, the number of certified HUSSC schools has increased from 27 schools in 2012, when the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services assumed responsibility of the state’s school nutrition programs.
The HealthierUS School Challenge, a joint effort of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes schools’ efforts to improve food and beverage options, offer nutrition education and promote physical activity. Schools must meet specific criteria, such as providing smarter snacks and opportunities for physical activity.
“Nutritious meals are the key to academic success, and I applaud these schools for providing students with the building blocks for a healthy lifestyle,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
In an effort to expand the program, the department offers many resources to help school districts earn HUSSC certification, including specialists throughout the state to provide personal, hands-on support. The department continually certifies and recertifies schools, as schools must reapply for their HUSSC status every four years to maintain certification.
Schools can apply for four different award levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction. The following schools were awarded HUSSC designation in March:
Orange County Public Schools
- Waterbridge Elementary School (Gold)
Sarasota County School District
- Alta Vista Elementary School (Silver)
- Ashton Elementary School (Bronze)
- Atwater Elementary School (Silver)
- Bay Haven Elementary School (Bronze)
- Brentwood Elementary School (Silver)
- Cranberry Elementary School (Bronze)
- Emma E. Booker Elementary School (Silver)
- Englewood Elementary School (Bronze)
- Fruitville Elementary School (Bronze)
- Garden Elementary School (Bronze)
- Glenallen Elementary School (Silver)
- Gocio Elementary School (Silver)
- Gulf Gate Elementary School (Silver)
- Lakeview Elementary School (Bronze)
- Lamarque Elementary School (Silver)
- Philippi Shores Elementary School (Bronze)
- Southside Elementary School (Bronze)
- Tatum Ridge Elementary School (Bronze)
- Toledo Blade Elementary School (Bronze)
- Tuttle Elementary School (Silver)
- Venice Elementary School (Bronze)
- Wilkinson Elementary School (Silver)
The School District of Clay County
- Clay Hill Elementary School (Silver)
- Coppergate Elementary School (Silver)
- Lake Asbury Elementary School (Bronze)
- McRae Elementary School (Bronze)
- Middleburg Elementary School (Silver)
- Plantation Oaks Elementary School (Bronze)
- RideOut Elementary School (Silver)
- Ridgeview Elementary School (Silver)
- Tynes Elementary School (Bronze)
The School District of Lee County
- Challenger Middle School (Bronze)
- Diplomat Elementary School (Bronze)
- Gulf Elementary School (Bronze)
- Gulf Middle School (Bronze)
- Hancock Creek Elementary School (Bronze)
- North Fort Myers High School (Bronze)
- Orange River Elementary School (Bronze)
- Patriot Elementary School (Bronze)
- Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School (Bronze)
- Rayma C. Page Elementary School (Bronze)
- Veterans Park Academy for the Arts (Bronze)
The School District of Osceola County
- Deerwood Elementary School (Silver)
- Hickory Tree Elementary School (Silver)
- Kissimmee Elementary School (Silver)
- KOA Elementary School (Silver)
- Mill Creek Elementary School (Silver)
- Poinciana Elementary School (Silver)
- Reedy Creek Elementary School (Silver)
For more information about the HealthierUS School Challenge Initiative and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
