TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that eight more Florida schools have earned HealthierUS School Challenge designations. Since the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services assumed responsibility of the state’s school nutrition programs in 2012, the number of certified HUSSC schools has increased from 27 to 384.
The HealthierUS School Challenge, a joint effort with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the United States Department of Agriculture, is a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes schools that meet specific criteria to improve food and beverage options, offer nutrition education and promote physical activity.
“I applaud these schools for going above and beyond to grow healthy habits that help students reach academic success,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The following schools were recently awarded HUSSC designation:
Lake County School District
- Triangle Elementary School (Gold)
Leon County School District
- Woodville Elementary School (Silver)
School District of Manatee County
- Ballard Elementary School (Bronze)
- Kinnan Elementary School (Silver)
Sumter County School District
- Bushnell Elementary School (Bronze)
- Lake Panasoffke Elementary School (Bronze)
- Webster Elementary School (Bronze)
- Wildwood Elementary School (Bronze)
Schools can apply for four different levels of designation that last for four years: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction. In addition to an award plaque and display banner, designated schools receive the following monetary awards: $500 for Bronze designation; $1,000 for Silver designation; $1,500 for Gold designation; and $2,000 for Gold Awards of Distinction.
For more information about the HealthierUS School Challenge initiative and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
