healthierus school challenge: smarter lunchrooms application · *the healthierus school challenge...

HealthierUS School Challenge:

Smarter Lunchrooms Application

Sarah M. Carr Region 4 Child Nutrition Program Specialist

HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms Application

he goal of HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms (HUSSC: SL) is to improve the health of the Nation’s children by promoting healthier school environments. To help meet the goal, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) identifies schools that have made changes to:

1. improve the quality of the foods served, 2. provide students with nutrition education, and

3. provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.

Performance Award Levels and Financial Incentives

1. Gold Award of Distinction - $2,000

2. Gold Award - $1,500

3. Silver Award - $1,000

4. Bronze Award - $500

Two Awards – Less Paperwork

Healthy Schools Program (HSP)

HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms (HUSSC: SL)

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http://www.fns.usda.gov/

2016 National Healthy Schools Program Award Reciprocity The Healthy Schools Program (HSP), an initiative of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and the HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms (HUSSC: SL)*, administered by the USDA, both recognize schools that create healthier school environments by improving nutrition and physical activity practices. This document outlines the streamlined application process between these two awards. Both HSP and HUSSC have additional award requirements in the areas of physical education, physical activity, health promotion for staff and health/nutrition education. To learn more about the full program requirements from both organizations, please visit the following links:

Healthy Schools Program Framework

HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms Application Materials o HUSSC: SL award winning schools

*The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) was recently re-named to the HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms (HUSSC: SL), due to special emphasis that recognizes schools actively implementing Smarter Lunchroom techniques.

HUSSC HSP

Has your school received a HUSSC or HUSSC: SL award? Check out the date on your award certificate and compare to the “Start Date on Certificate” column below. Then get ready to fast track your HSP application! You do not have to submit evidence in your HSP application for the criteria listed in the “HSP: Criteria for Bronze” column corresponding to your certificate date.

HUSSC Certified (Any Level)

Start Date on Certificate HSP: Criteria for Bronze

(Eligible criteria to bypass)

HUSSC 2009 Criteria 5/2010 to 7/2013 School Nutrition Services *Criteria 401, 402, 403 and 404

HUSSC 2012 Criteria 8/2013 to 3/2015

(with the exception of 2 schools awarded 5/2013 and 6/2013)

School Nutrition Services *Criteria 401, 402, 403 and 404

Health Education (Nutrition topics only) *Criteria 201, 202 and 204

HUSSC: SL 2014 Criteria

Beginning 4/2015 School Nutrition Services *Criteria 401, 402, 403 and 404

Smart Snacks *Criteria 105 and 106

Health Education (Nutrition topics only) *Criteria 201, 202 and 204

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https://www.healthiergeneration.org/_asset/l062yk/07-278_HSPFramework.pdf

http://www.fns.usda.gov/hussc/healthierus-school-challenge-application-materials

http://www.fns.usda.gov/hussc/award-winning-schools

2016 National Healthy Schools Program Award Reciprocity

2016 HSP Award Reciprocity 2 of 2

HSP HUSSC: SL

Has your school received a HSP award between 2013 and 2016? Then fast track your HUSSC: SL application! You do not have to complete the sections of the HUSSC: SL application listed in the “HUSSC: SL Areas for Certification” column corresponding with the award date on your HSP certificate.

HSP Award (Any Level)

Award Date HUSSC: SL Areas for Certification

(Eligible areas to bypass)

HSP 2013-14 2014 School Meals (Bronze only)

Physical Education (any level)

Physical Activity (any level)

Nutrition Education (any level)

HSP 2014-15 2015 HUSSC: SL BRONZE

HSP 2015-16 2016 HUSSC: SL BRONZE

LMAS HUSSC: SL

Let’s Move! Active Schools (LMAS) follows the same Framework as HSP, with a focus on physical education and activity. Has your school received a LMAS award between 2013 and 2016? Then fast track your HUSSC: SL application! You do not have to complete the sections of the HUSSC: SL application listed in the “HUSSC: SL Areas for Certification” column corresponding with the award date on your LMAS certificate. For more information about Let’s Move! Active Schools visit, www.letsmoveactiveschools.org

LMAS Award date HUSSC: SL Areas for Certification

(Eligible areas to bypass)

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

2014

2015

2016

Physical Education (any level)

Physical Activity (any level)

If you are planning to submit HUSSC documentation as part of your Healthy Schools Program award application please connect with one of our National Nutrition Advisors, Carol Chong or Stephanie Joyce prior to submitting your application.

Check out the Award Reciprocity webinar for more in-depth information on streamlining your applications and reducing paperwork!

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http://www.letsmoveactiveschools.org/

http://www.healthiergeneration.org/about_us/leadership/school_health_experts/

http://www.healthiergeneration.org/about_us/leadership/school_health_experts/

http://healthiergeneration.org/_service/alliance/cornerstone/?link=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253dccc696c3-dd7b-43db-a756-fda49d1bda9c

What stayed the same?

Team Nutrition School

SBP & NSLP offered

Reimbursable meals

No outstanding corrective action(s)

6-Cent Certification

Physical Education, Physical Activity provided/offered

Local Wellness Policy in place/implemented

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What’s new?

Smarter Lunchroom techniques are required

Smart Snacks criteria are required

Other Criteria for Excellence options added

No longer require specific meal criteria

Nutrition Education must include Team Nutrition resources, if available,

and be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans / MyPlate

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 1 – General Information and Cover Sheet

(page 3 of application)

Documents

1. Application Cover Sheet

a. If this is a district application, no school name is needed, provide

district name and central address for Child Nutrition department

b. If this is a single school application, provide campus name and

address

c. Contact name/information should be the name/information of

individual who is completing and submitting the application

d. Please don’t fill out the “Date Submitted to State Agency” field

2. School Directory (if District Application)

a. The information on the school directory must EXACTLY match the

information on EACH school(s) Team Nutrition Enrollment Form

b. If district application, include each school’s ADP in the School

Directory

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 2 – General Criteria


Required Documents:

1. General Criteria Worksheet

a. If single school application, fill out ADP

2. Team Nutrition Enrollment Form(s)

a. Print out form for EACH school included in the application

b. Verify that the information on the school directory matches EXACTLY

the information on EACH school(s) Team Nutrition Enrollment Form

3. Implementing Smarter Lunchroom Techniques

a. Provide a copy of the Smarter Lunchrooms Self-Assessment

Scorecard(s) for EACH campus applying for HUSSC: SL recognition

b. All Award Levels

i. Must have at least one item indicated on scorecard (box

checked) for each of the following scorecard categories

1. Focusing on Fruits

2. Promoting Vegetables and Salad

3. Moving More White Milk

4. Entrée of the Day

5. Increasing Sales of Reimbursable Meals

6. Creating School Synergies

c. Bronze Level award

i. Must have at least 30 items (or more) checked on scorecard

d. Silver and Gold Level award(s)


e. Gold Award of Distinction Level award


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It’s not nutrition...until it’s eaten!

Important Words Service areas: Any location where students

can purchase or are provided with food

Dining areas: Any location where students can consume the food purchased or provided

Grab and Go Meals: Any meal with compo-nents pre-packaged together for ease and convenience – such as a brown bag lunch or “Fun Lunch” etc.

Designated Line: Any foodservice line which has been specified for particular food items or concepts – such as a pizza line, deli line, salad line etc.

Alternative entrée options: Any meal component which could also be considered an entrée for students - such as the salad bar, yogurt parfait, vegetarian/vegan or meatless options etc.

Reimbursable “Combo Meal” pairings: Any reimbursable components available independently on your foodservice lines which you have identified as a part of a promotional complete meal – For example you decided your beef taco, seasoned beans, frozen strawberries and 1% milk are part of a promotional meal called the, “Mi Amigo Meal!” etc.

Non-functional lunchroom equipment: Any items which are either broken, awaiting repair or are simply not used during meal service – such as empty or broken steam tables, coolers, registers etc.

Good Rapport: Communication is completed in a friendly and polite manner

All Points of Sale: Any location where a register/pin-pad is located for example: deli-line, snack window, a la carte line, hot line, kiosks/carts etc.

Focusing on Fruitn At least two types

of fruit are available daily

n Sliced or cut fruit is available daily n Fruit options are not browning, bruised or

otherwise damagedn Daily fruit options are given creative, age-

appropriate names

n Fruit is available at all points of sale (deli-line, snack windows, a la carte lines etc.)

n Daily fruit options are available in at least two different locations on each service line

n At least one daily fruit option is available near all registers (If there are concerns regarding edible peel, fruit can be bagged or wrapped)

n Whole fruit options are displayed in attractive bowls or baskets (instead of chaffing/hotel pans)

n A mixed variety of whole fruits are displayed together

n Daily fruit options are easily seen by students of average height for your school

n Daily fruit options are bundled into all grab and go meals available to students

n Daily fruit options are written legibly on menu boards in all service and dining areas

Promoting Vegetables & Saladn At least two types of vegetable

are available daily n Vegetables are not wilted, browning, or

otherwise damagedn At least one vegetable option is available in

all foodservice areasn Individual salads or a salad bar is available

to all studentsn The salad bar is highly visible and located

in a high traffic arean Self-serve salad bar utensils are at the

appropriate portion size or larger for all fruits and vegetable offered

n Self-serve salad bar utensils are smaller for croutons, dressing and other non-produce items

n Daily vegetable options are available in at least two different locations on each service line

n Daily vegetable options are easily seen by students of average height for your school

n A daily vegetable option is bundled into grab and go meals available to students

n A default vegetable choice is established by pre-plating a vegetable on some of the trays

n Available vegetable options have been given creative or descriptive names

n All vegetable names are printed/written on name-cards or product IDs and displayed next to each vegetable option daily

n All vegetable names are written and legible on menu boards

n All vegetable names are included on the published monthly school lunch menu

Moving More White Milkn All beverage coolers have white

milk availablen White milk is placed in front of other

beverages in all coolersn White milk crates are placed so that they

are the first beverage option seen in all designated milk coolers

n White milk is available at all points of sale (deli-line, snack windows, a la carte lines etc.)

n White milk represents at least 1/3 of all visible milk in the lunchroom

n White milk is easily seen by students of average height for your school

n White milk is bundled into all grab and go meals available to students as the default beverage

n White milk is promoted on menu boards legibly

n White milk is replenished so all displays appear “full” continually throughout meal service and after each lunch period

Entrée of the Day n A daily entrée option has

been identified to promote as a “targeted entrée” in each service area and for each designated line (deli-line, snack windows, a la carte lines etc.)

n Daily targeted entrée options are highlighted on posters or signs

n Daily targeted entrée is easily seen by students of average height for your school

n Daily targeted entrées have been provided creative or descriptive names

n All targeted entrée names are printed/written on name-cards or product IDs and displayed next to each respective entrée daily

2014Scorecard

©The B.E.N. Center 2014

Since its founding in 2009 the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement has championed the use of evidence-based, simple low

and no-cost changes to lunchrooms which can simultaneously improve participation and profits while decreasing waste. This tool can help you to evaluate your lunchroom, congratulate yourself for things you are doing well and and identify areas of opportunity for improvement

Smarter Lunchrooms Self-Assessment

InstructionsRead each of the statements below. Visualize your cafeteria, your service areas and your school building. Indicate whether the statement is true for your school by checking the box to the left. If you believe that your school does not reflect the statement 100% do not check the box on the left. After you have completed the checklist, tally all boxes with check marks and write this number in the designated area on the back of the form. This number represents your school’s baseline score. The boxes which are not checked are areas of opportunity for you to consider implementing in the future. We recommend completing this checklist annually to measure your improvements!

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It’s not nutrition...until it’s eaten!

n All targeted entrée names are written and legible on menu boards

n All targeted entrée names are included on the published monthly school lunch menu

n All targeted entrees are replenished so as to appear “full” throughout meal service

Increasing Sales Reimbursable Meals n A reimbursable meal can

be created in any service area available to students (salad bars, snack windows, speed lines, speed windows, dedicated service lines etc.)

n Reimbursable “Combo Meal” pairings are available and promoted daily

n A reimbursable meal has been bundled into a grab and go meal available to students

n Grab and go reimbursable meals are available at a convenience line/speed window

n The convenience line offers only reimbursable grab and go meals with low-fat non-flavored milk fruit and/or vegetable.

n Grab and go reimbursable meals are easily seen by students of average height for your school

n The School offers universal free lunchn A reimbursable combo meal pairing is

available daily using alternative entrees (salad bar, fruit & yogurt parfait etc.)

n Reimbursable “Combo Meal” pairings have been provided creative or descriptive age-appropriate names (i.e. – The Hungry Kid Meal, The Athlete’s Meal, Bobcat Meal etc.)

n Reimbursable “Combo Meal” pairing names are written/printed on name-cards, labels, or product IDs and displayed next to each respective meal daily

n All reimbursable “Combo Meal” names are written and legible on menu boards

n All reimbursable “Combo Meal” names are included on the published monthly school lunch menu

n Reimbursable “Combo Meal” pairings are promoted on signs or posters

n The named reimbursable “Combo Meal” is promoted during the school’s morning announcements

n Students have the option to pre-order their lunch in the morning or earlier

n The cafeteria accepts cash as a form of payment

Creating School SynergiesSignage, Priming & Communicationn Posters displaying healthful foods are

visible and readable within all service and dining areas

n Signage/posters/floor decals are available to direct students toward all service areas

n Signs promoting the lunchroom and featured menu items are placed in other areas of the school such as the main office, library or gymnasium.

n Menu boards featuring today’s meal components are visible and readable within all service and dining areas

n A dedicated space/menu board is visible and readable from 5ft away within the service or dining area where students can see tomorrow’s menu items

n Dining space is branded to reflect student body or school (i.e. – school lunchroom is named for school mascot or local hero/celebrity)

n All promotional signs and posters are rotated, updated or changed at least quarterly

n All creative and descriptive names are rotated, updated or changed at least quarterly

n A monthly menu is available and provided to all student families, teachers and administrators

n A monthly menu is visible and readable within the school building

n A weekly “Nutritional Report Card” is provided to parents detailing what thier student has purchased during the previous week.

Lunchroom Atmospheren Trash on floors, in, or near garbage cans is

removed between each lunch periodn Cleaning supplies and utensils are returned

to a cleaning closet or are not visible during service and dining

n Compost/recycling/tray return and garbage cans are tidied between lunch periods

n Compost/recycling/tray return and garbage cans are at least 5ft away from dining students

n Dining and service areas are clear of any non-functional equipment or tables during service

n Sneeze guards in all service areas are clean n Obstacles and barriers to enter service and

dining areas have been removed (i.e. – garbage cans, mop buckets, cones, lost & found etc.)

n Clutter is removed from service and dining areas promptly (i.e. – empty boxes, supply shipments, empty crates, pans, lost & found etc.)

n Students artwork is displayed in the service and/or dining areas

n All lights in the dining and service areas are currently functional and on

n Trays and cutlery are within arm’s reach to the students of average height for your school

n Lunchroom equipment is decorated with decals/magnets/signage etc. wherever possible

n Teachers and administrators dine in the lunchroom with students

n Cafeteria monitors have good rapport with students and lunchroom staff

n The dining space is used for other learning activities beyond meal service (i.e. – home economics, culinary nutrition education activities, school activities etc.)

n Staff is encouraged to model healthful eating behaviors to students (i.e. – dining in the lunchroom with students, encouraging students to try new foods etc.)

n Staff smiles and greets students upon entering the service line continually throughout meal service

n Students who do not have a full reimbursable meal are politely prompted to select and consume a fruit or vegetable option by staff

Student Involvementn Student groups are involved in the

development of creative and descriptive names for menu items

n Student groups are involved in creation of artwork promoting menu items

n Student groups are involved in modeling healthful eating behaviors to others (i.e. – mentors, high school students eating in the middle school lunchroom occasionally etc.)

n Student surveys are used to inform menu development, dining space décor and promotional ideas

n Students, teachers and/or administrators announce daily meal deals or targeted items in daily announcements

Recognition & Support of School Foodn The school participates in other food

program promotions such as: Farm to School, Chefs Move to Schools, Fuel Up to Play 60, Share our Strength etc.)

n The school has applied or been selected for the Healthier US School Challenge

n A local celebrity (Mayor, sports hero, media personality) is invited to share lunch with student 3 to 4 time a year

A la Carten Students must ask to purchase a la carte

items from staff membersn Students must use cash to purchase a la

carte items which are not reimbursablen Half portions are available for at least two

dessert options

________ Total Checked

Scoring Brackets70-100 – Smarter Lunchrooms Gold 50-70 – Smarter Lunchrooms Silver 30-50 – Smarter Lunchrooms Bronze

©The B.E.N. Center 2014

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 3 – Smart Snack Worksheet


Required Documents:

1. Use the Smart Snack Calculator found on line at:

https://www.healthiergeneration.org/take_action/schools/snacks_and_be

verages/smart_snacks/alliance_product_calculator/

2. Enter EACH item that may be sold to students during the school day on the

school campus in to the calculator. This includes:

a. Items sold a la carte

b. Items sold in school stores

c. Items sold in vending machines

d. Items sold for fundraising

e. Items sold on snack lines or carts

i. Including but not limited to: snacks, beverages, entrees

(except exempt entrees) and side dishes

Bronze and Silver Criteria

1. Smart Snack Training

2.

a. Provide a description in the box within the application or on a

separate document describing how ALL staff involved in the sale of

food to students on the school campus during the school day are

trained ANNUALLY on Smart Snacks criteria

b. If all of the information cannot be seen in the text box, the remaining

information must be provided on a separate document

3. Advertising and Marketing of Foods and Beverages

a. Provide a description of how your district or school is meeting the

criteria for advertising ONLY items that meet Smart Snacks criteria

b. Provide a copy of the policy or communication/training which

supports this criteria

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https://www.healthiergeneration.org/take_action/schools/snacks_and_beverages/smart_snacks/alliance_product_calculator/


HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 4 – Smart Snack Gold & Gold Award of

Distinction


Gold Criteria:

Required Documents:

1. Meets criteria for Bronze and Silver

2. Describe in the text box how the school or district meets the criteria that all

food related fundraisers meet the USDA Smart Snack regulations

a. Include a list of all food related fundraisers held

b. Provide product labels and ingredient statements as applicable

c. If all of the information cannot be seen in the text box, the remaining


3. Describe in the text box how the school or district meets the criteria that

events held outside the school day at which foods and beverages are sold

include offerings and promotion of water, fruits and/or vegetables

a. Provide a copy of the documentation or instructions of how this

information is provided to all entities involved with these sales

b. If all of the information cannot be seen in the text box, the remaining


Gold Award of Distinction

Required Documents:

1. Meets criteria for Gold

2. Provide documentation indicating that >50% of all fundraisers conducted

outside the school day include only non-food items or items that meet

USDA Smart Snacks criteria

a. Documentation includes a list of school sponsored fundraisers for the

past year and

b. A copy of the written policy or guidance

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 5 – Smart Snack Documentation

Required Documents:

1. Provide a copy of the printout from the Smart Snacks calculator indicating

the item meets criteria

2. Provide the actual label or a copy of the actual label for each item sold or

3. Provide the recipe(s)

a. For mixed dishes

b. For items made from scratch

i. Recipes will need to include a nutrient profile breakdown

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 6 – Nutrition Education Worksheet


Required Documents:

1. If a Healthy School Program (HSP) Award Recipient, check the box and

make sure to include documentation of award (certificate)

a. Must be within one year of date on HUSSC: SL application

2. Nutrition Education Worksheet

a. Elementary Schools: check yes or no box, then describe how

nutrition education is provided to all students and

i. Is part of a structured and systematic unit of instruction, such

as Team Nutrition Curricula or lessons

ii. Indicate the name of the curriculum used

iii. Utilizes multiple channels of communication, including

classroom, cafeteria, and home/parents

a. Middle Schools: Briefly describe how nutrition education is offered

to:

i. Grade level(s) as part of a year round instruction, as indicated

by award level

o Indicate grade level(s)

ii. Utilizes multiple channels of communication, including


b. High Schools: Briefly describe how nutrition education is offered to:

i. At least two courses required for graduation

o List courses

ii. Utilizes multiple channels of communication, including


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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 7 – Physical Education Worksheet(s)

(pages 9 - 10 of application)

Required Documents:

1. If a Healthy School Program (HSP) Award Recipient or Let’s Move Active

Schools Award Recipient, check the appropriate box and make sure to

include documentation of award (certificate)


2. Physical Education Worksheet

a. Remember – Use the worksheet that corresponds with the

application’s age/grade group

b. Elementary Schools:

i. Check yes or no boxes

ii. Check box next to award level of application

iii. Indicate grade level(s)

iv. List the average number of minutes per week that physical

education is provided to each grade, as indicated by award

level

v. Describe the physical education classes provided to all

students throughout the year

c. Middle Schools:

i. Briefly describe how your school offers structured physical

education classes to at least two grade level(s)

ii. Indicate which grade level(s) physical education is provided to

d. High Schools:

i. Briefly describe how the school offers structured physical

education in at least two courses

ii. Provide the names of the courses where physical education is

taught

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 8 – Physical Activity Worksheet


Required Documents:

1. If a Healthy School Program (HSP) Award Recipient or Let’s Move Active

Schools Award Recipient, check the appropriate box and make sure to

include documentation of award (certificate)


2. Physical Activity Worksheet

a. Elementary Schools:

i. Describe the additional daily physical activity opportunities

provided to students (ex. recess)

ii. Indicate the time allotted for the daily physical activity

b. Middle and High Schools:

i. Describe how the school provides students in all grades

opportunities to participate in physical activity (ex.

intramural/interscholastic sports or activity clubs)

ii. Describe how the school actively promotes participation in

physical activities to all students throughout the school year

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 9 – School Wellness Worksheet


Required Documents:

1. Copy of the school/district wellness policy

2. School Wellness Policy Worksheet

a. List three examples of how the school/district is working to meet the

wellness policy goals

b. Fill out the remaining four scenarios on page 12 in detail

i. Provide documentation as requested

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 10 – Other Criteria for Excellence

(pages 13-15 of application)

Required Documents:

1. Provide a brief description and supporting documents for each criteria

chosen

a. Bronze Criteria = 2 options chosen

b. Silver Criteria = 4 options chosen

c. Gold Criteria = 6 options chosen

d. Gold with Distinction = 8 options chosen

2. Providing documentation in text boxes

a. If all of the information cannot be seen in the text box, the remaining


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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 11 – Review Committee Verification Form

(page 16 or 17 of application)

Required Documents:

1. Review Committee Verification Form

a. Complete the correct form for (1) individual school applications (page

16) or (2) school district applications (page 17)

b. The information must match Team Nutrition information EXACTLY

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HUSSC: SL Binder Tab 12– Application Check-Off Sheet


Required Documents:

1. Application Check-Off Sheet

a. Provide requested information for the School District Financial

Manager

i. Name

ii. Email address

iii. Phone number

HUSSC: SL Submission Process

Always download the application from USDA’s website:

http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/hsmrs/HUSSC/

Submit the application to your Regional ESC:

Region 4 Education Service Center Attn: Sarah M. Carr 7145 West Tidwell Road Houston, TX 77092

1. Include the application with binder tabs

2. Provide all supporting documentation (LWP, SS, SL Scorecard, etc.)

3. Submit a completed application checklist

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

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HealthierUS School Challenge:

Smarter Lunchrooms Application Resources

(1) HUSSC: SL Application Tips for Success

(2) HUSSC: SL Application Checklist

HUSSC: SL Application Tips for Success

1

Notebook Assembly

Organize documentation according to the order of the application.

Use the divider tabs provided to help organize the application.

Please DO NOT use page protectors. USDA and TDA will not accept applications submitted with page

protectors in use.

Keep a copy of your application and all items submitted for documentation.

Always keep mail tracking confirmation for your application.

Include contact information of the individual responsible for the application submission for your district/school.

General Requirements

Use only the most current form of the application.

Submit a district application whenever possible.

All schools that follow the same menu should be included on a single district application instead of

being submitted separately by school campus.

Send only one copy of all documentation needed with the district application.

This includes recipes, labels and any other items that are common to all schools.

Information that is school specific should be sent for each school.

This includes nutrition education, physical education and physical activity that is specific to a school.

Provide Team Nutrition documentation for each school listed on the application.

Verify that Team Nutrition information is accurate and up to date prior to submitting this information

with your application.

Team Nutrition information must match information included on the Review Committee Verification

Form(s) on pages 16 – 17 of the application.

District applications should include a District School List.

The template for this list can be found on the HUSSC: SL application website.

The school campus information on the District School List must match information on Team Nutrition

printouts.

Be sure to include policies that demonstrate that the school does not allow advertising or marketing of foods

that do not meet Smart Snack Regulation.

Include documentation of curriculum and sign in sheets of attendees for documentation of training(s) on Smart

Snacks.

Smart Snacks

All items sold a la carte or “in competition” with the reimbursable lunch meal must meet Smart Snack food and

beverage criteria.

Enter all foods and beverages that are sold a la carte into the “Smart Snacks Calculator” found on the Alliance

for a Healthier Generation website at the link below:

HUSSC: SL Application Tips for Success

2

https://www.healthiergeneration.org/take_action/schools/snacks_and_beverages/smart_snacks/allian

ce_product_calculator/

Submit the printout from the “Smart Snacks Calculator” showing each item is compliant and the actual label or

a copy of the actual label of each item sold with your application.

If the item is prepared on site, include the recipe and the nutrition information for the item(s) along

with the print out from the “Smart Snacks Calculator”.

If all school campuses sell the same items a la carte, then only one set of printouts and labels are needed on a

district application.

If foods sold vary from school campus to school campus then printouts and labels should be submitted for each

school.

Nutrition Education/Physical Education/Physical Activity/ Wellness Policy

Do not send actual curricula used for nutrition education.

List classes where nutrition education is offered to document that it is part of instruction within the

curriculum.

Indicate the name of the curriculum used.

If CATCH is listed as the nutrition education program, then please explain what activities are

incorporated; because CATCH is not a national program.

Adequate documentation for Physical Education includes total minutes of participation per week, number of

classes and how often classes are offered.

Examples of Physical Activities will suffice for “other activities outside PE”.

Activities such as recess, school wide walks, field days, and intramural sports are acceptable.

Send a copy of the actual district or school campus wellness policy.

If a district is unable to locate the actual typed policy you may be able to get a copy of the typed policy

from TEA. Contact numbers are: 1 (800) 580-7529 or (512) 467-0222.

Assure that the Local Wellness Policy is up to date with current regulation.

TDA’s Local Wellness Policy checklist form is not acceptable documentation.

Send documentation of the dates for School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) meetings for the past school

year (if available).

Include a copy of the minutes for SHAC or the Wellness committee meetings (if available).

Award Money

All HUSSC: SL award money must be used to purchase items for use in the Child Nutrition Program(s).

All purchases must meet NSLP expense guidelines.

Funds may be used for school specific items or items that will benefit the Child Nutrition Program at a district

level.

A district must be enrolled in the “SAMS” system to receive their HUSSC: SL award money.



HealthierUS School Challenge

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Updated 2/10/2014

School Name: ESC Number: Date received by ESC:

School District: CE ID Number:

Combined School District App: Yes No

Award Level: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Gold w/ Distinction

Action Yes No N/A Page 3: Application Cover Sheet

Did the school complete the Application Cover Sheet?

Is the award level identified? (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Gold W/

distinction)

Is a contact person clearly identified?

If this is a district application, do you have a school directory?

Page 5: General Criteria Worksheet/Smarter Lunchrooms

Scorecard

Did the school complete the General Criteria Worksheet?

Is there a Team Nutrition verification print-out for each school in the

application?

Does the information listed on the school directory match EXACTLY

to the information on each school’s TEAM Nutrition printout?

Have all corrective actions from the districts’ most recent State

review of the school meals program been completed??

Is this CE certified to receive the additional six cents performance

reimbursement?

Does the school meet the ADP criteria for both breakfast and lunch?

(NA for bronze)

*Be sure to validate using the ADP of the month of menus being

submitted OR any month prior to the month submitted for HUSSC

review

Smarter Lunchrooms Self-Assessment Scorecard

Is a copy of the Smarter Lunchrooms Self-Assessment Card included

in the application?

Is there a separate copy for each award level in the application?

Do each of the following six criteria areas have a least one item

checked on the Smarter Lunchrooms Self-Assessment Card?

Focus on Fruit?

Promoting Vegetables & Salad?

Moving More White Milk?

Entrée of the Day?

Increasing Sales of Reimbursable Meals?

Creating School Synergies?

Bronze criteria: Are 30-50 items checked?

Silver/Gold criteria: Are 50-70 items checked?

Gold with Distinction criteria: Are 70 or more items checked?

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Action Yes No N/A Page 6: Smart Snacks Worksheet

Bronze/Silver Criteria:

Is there an explanation of the Smart Snacks training offered in the

district to all individuals involved in the sale of food items to

students?

Is there a description of how district or school meets the criteria for

advertising and marketing of only foods that meet Smart Snack

criteria?

Does the application include a copy of the written policy for

advertising of food items on the campus? OR

Does the application include a copy of the training/written

communication on the advertising policy for school staff and parent

organizations?

Page 7:Gold Criteria:

Does the school meet the Bronze/Silver criteria listed above?

School only permits food-related fundraisers that meet USDA Smart

Snacks standards, even if the state allows “Exempted Fundraising

Days”?

If foods and beverages are sold to students on the school campus at

events outside the school day, are water, fruits and/or vegetables are

also offered and promoted as options

Is there documentation for meeting the Gold criteria included? (e.g.

written school policy and/or instructions for those that sell foods to

students on the school campus?

Gold Award of Distinction Criteria:

Does the school meet the Bronze/Silver criteria listed above?

Does the school meet the Gold criteria listed above?

Do greater than 50% of school sponsored fundraising events

conducted outside the school day include only non-food items OR

only foods and beverages that meet or exceed USDA Smart Snack

standards?

Is there a list of school-sponsored fundraisers that occurred over the

past year included?

Is there a copy of the written school policy or guidance on the 50%

criteria included?

Smart Snacks Documentation: (all award levels all grade levels)

Is there a label from the from the actual item or a copy of the actual

label for each item sold a la carte by the Child Nutrition Department?

Is there a printout from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s

Smart Snacks calculator stating the item is compliant for each item

sold a la carte by the Child Nutrition Department?

Pg 8: Nutrition Education Worksheet

Is the school a “Healthy School Program” (HSP) Award Recipient?

Is a copy of the HSP National Recognition Award included?

Is the HSP award dated within one year of the date of the HUSSC

application?

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Action Yes No N/A ***If a copy of the HSP award is current and included with the

application no other information is required on the Nutrition

Education Worksheet, the Physical Education worksheet OR the

Physical Activity worksheet.

Elementary School Nutrition Education Criteria:

Is Nutrition Education provided to all full-day students in all grades?

Is the Nutrition Education offered part of a structured and systematic

unit of instruction? (e.g. such as TEAM Nutrition curriculum and

lessons)

Are the grades in which nutrition education is offered indicated?

Is there an explanation of which class the nutrition education

curriculum is used? (e.g. science class)

Is there a clear explanation of the Nutrition Education efforts for each

grade level listed?

Are there examples of Nutrition Education utilizing multiple channels

of communication? (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, home/parents)

Middle School Nutrition Education Criteria

Bronze/Silver Criteria:

Is there a description of how Nutrition Education is offered in at least

one grade during the school year?

Is the grade level the nutrition education is offered in indicated?

Gold/Gold with Distinction Criteria: Is there a description of how

Nutrition Education is offered in at least two grades during the school

year?

Are the grade levels the nutrition education is offered in indicated?

Are there examples of Nutrition Education utilizing multiple channels

of communication? (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, home/parents)

All criteria levels:

Is there an explanation of how the nutrition education incorporates

the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate and TEAM

Nutrition materials?

High School Nutrition Education Criteria-All criteria levels:

Is there a description of how Nutrition Education is offered in at least

two courses required for graduation? (All Award levels)

Are the required courses that provide Nutrition Education listed?

Are there examples of Nutrition Education utilizing multiple

channels of communication? (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, home/parents)

Page9: Physical Education Worksheet-Elementary Schools




application?

***If a copy of the HSP award is current and included with the




3

Action Yes No N/A Does the school provide Physical Education classes to all full-day

students throughout the school year?

Bronze/Silver Physical Education Criteria-Elementary

Do the Physical Education classes cover a minimum average of 45

minutes per week?

Is the average number of minutes per week that Physical Education is

provided specified for each grade?

Is there a description of the Physical Education offered provided for

each grade?

Gold Physical Education Criteria-Elementary


minutes per week?

Is the average number of minutes per week that Physical Education is

provided specified for each grade?


each grade?

Gold with distinction Physical Education Criteria-Elementary


minutes per week?

Is the average number of minutes per week that Physical Education

is provided specified for each grade?


each grade?

Page10: Physical Education Worksheet-Middle and High Schools




application?





Middle School Physical Education Criteria (all award levels)

Is there a description provided on how the school offers structured

Physical Education classes to at least two grades?

Are the two grades that offer structured Physical Education classes

listed?

High School Physical Education Criteria (all award levels)

Is there a description provided on how the school offers structured

Physical Education classes in at least two courses?

Are the courses in which structured Physical Education is offered

listed?

4

Action Yes No N/A Page 11: Physical Activity Worksheet




application?





Page 11:Physical Activity Worksheet: Elementary Schools

Is there a description of the additional daily physical activity

opportunities provided to the students? (e.g. recess)

Is the amount of time allotted for Physical activity indicated?

Note: If physical activity was used as “Structured Physical

Activity” for counting towards the Physical Education

requirement it cannot be listed here.

Page 11:Physical Activity Worksheet: Middle and High Schools

Is there a description of how the school provides students in all

grades opportunities to participate in physical activity?

(e.g. intramural/interscholastic sports or activity clubs)

Is there a description of how the school actively promotes

participation in physical activities to all students throughout the

school year?

Page 12: School Wellness Policy Worksheet

Is there a copy of the school/district wellness policy included in the

application?

Note: Checklists are not an acceptable form of a Wellness Policy.

Have they listed 3 ways the school or district is working to meet their

School Wellness Policy goals?

Have they provided a brief description for each of the 4 remaining

categories on this page?

Pages 13-15: Other Criteria for Excellence Checklist

Have they provided a description and supporting documentation for

each of the criteria options they chose?

Bronze Criteria = 2 Options chosen

Silver Criteria = 4 Options chosen

Gold Criteria = 6 Options chosen

Gold with Distinction Criteria = 8 Options chosen

Page 16: Review Committee Verification Form-Single school

application

Did the school obtain Names, Email addresses and Dates from every

member of the Review Panel listed on this page?

Page 17: Review Committee Verification Form-District

application

5

Action Yes No N/A Did the school obtain Names, Email addresses and Dates from every

member of the Review Panel listed on this page?

Application Check-off Sheet

Is this completed check-off sheet included in their application

Is all documentation needed for the application included??

Information typed in to defined boxes of the application:

Is it possible to read all information provided?*

*If information provided within the boxes is “cut off” so that not

all information can be read-request the school send the

information in a separate word document for review.

Reviewer Notes:

Date Application Received by ESC: ________________________________________________

Date Review Completed: _________________________________________________________

Review Completed By:

______________________________________________________________________________

Date Application Sent to TDA Food and Nutrition: ____________________________________

6

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Region 4 Education Service Center7145 West Tidwell Road

Houston, Texas 77092-2096Phone: 713.744.7708 www.esc4.net/nutrition

© 2016 Region 4 Education Service Center

Robert ZingelmannChief Financial Officer, Business/Operations Services

Pam Wells, Ed.D.Executive Director

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reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA

through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office,

or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of AgricultureOffice of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, D.C. 20250-9410;

fax: (202) 690-7442; or

email: [email protected].

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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