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HealthierUS School Challenge

Eight Additional Florida Schools Awarded HealthierUS School Challenge Designation

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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.

37 Florida Schools Awarded HealthierUS School Challenge Designation in June

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that 37 more Florida schools earned HealthierUS School Challenge designations during June. 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, to today’s 313 schools.
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’ 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.
“A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for academic success, and these schools have gone above and beyond to give their students the fuel they need to excel in the classroom,” 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 works to certify and recertify schools, as schools must re-apply for their HUSSC status every four years.
Schools can apply for four different levels of designation: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction. The following schools were recently awarded HUSSC designation in June:
Alachua County Public Schools

  • Alachua Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Archer Elementary School (Bronze)
  • C.W. Norton Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Lake Forest Elementary School (Bronze)
  • M.K. Rawlings Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Newberry Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Stephen Foster Elementary School (Bronze)
  • W.A. Metcalfe Elementary School (Bronze)
  • William S. Talbot Elementary School (Bronze)

Martin County School District

  • Bessey Creek Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Citrus Grove Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Crystal Lake Elementary School (Silver)
  • Felix Williams Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Hobe Sound Elementary School (Silver)
  • Jensen Beach Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Palm City Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Sea Wind Elementary School (Silver)

Putnam County School District

  • Kelley Smith Elementary School (Silver)
  • Middleton-Burney Elementary School (Silver)

Santa Rosa County School District

  • Bagdad Elementary School (Gold)
  • Benny Russell Elementary School (Silver)
  • Berryhill Elementary School (Silver)
  • Chumuckla Elementary School (Silver)
  • East Milton Elementary School (Gold)
  • Gulf Breeze Middle School (Bronze)
  • Holley Navarre Intermediate School (Silver)
  • Holley Navarre Middle School (Bronze)
  • Holley Navarre Primary School (Silver)
  • Jay Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Oriole Beach Elementary School (Bronze)
  • Pea Ridge Elementary School (Silver)
  • SS Dixon Intermediate School (Silver)
  • SS Dixon Primary School (Bronze)
  • Thomas L. Sims Middle School (Bronze)
  • West Navarre Intermediate School (Bronze)
  • West Navarre Primary School (Bronze)
  • W.H. Rhodes Elementary School (Gold)

For more information about the HealthierUS School Challenge Initiative and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

50 Florida Schools Awarded HealthierUS School Challenge Designation in March

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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.