The HealthierUS School Challenge and

Champions for Change

Gayle McCartney MPH, RDArizona Dept. of EducationHUSSC Specialist, HNS

Today’s Objectives

• Overview of HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) Award

• The HUSSC application process• How AZNN can play a role

HUSSC is a marathon…not a sprint

School Nutrition Staff—Get Ready to Take the HealthierUS School Challenge

• Voluntary USDA Certification – for NSLP Schools• Exceptional Nutrition and Physical Education &

Physical Activity - Healthy School Environment• Supports 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

and 2012 meal pattern changes • New Criteria and updates July 1, 2012

HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC)

Why Apply?

Gold of Distinction - $2000Gold - $1500Silver - $1000Bronze - $500

Recognition includes:• HUSSC banner, • plaque signed by Sec. of

Agriculture, • letter from First Lady, • recognition on ADE and Team

Nutrition websites, and lots of recognition!

HealthierUS School Challenge

The Process…

• Start with School Health Advisory Council• Sign up as Team Nutrition school (free)• Divide the application by components – check

HUSSC Criteria• www.teamnutrition.usda.gov• Review local school wellness policy - describe

3 ways school is meeting wellness goals

Steps to Success

General Criteria

New

• Team Nutrition School

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and

• School Breakfast Program (SBP)

• Be certified for additional 6-Cents

• Competitive Foods Standards

• ADP – Average Daily Participation based on attendance (Breakfast and Lunch minimums)

Schools are required to include foods that are:• Whole grain-rich• Dark-green, red/orange, beans and peas (legumes)• Fruits (canned, dry, fresh, frozen, etc.)

Meal Criteria

Source: State of Washington Child Nutrition Programs

Nutrition Education

• Taught in each grade – Elementary– Two Grades – Middle School– Two Courses – High School

• Use Evidenced-based curricula (e.g. Team Nutrition)

• 3 C’s – Classroom, Cafeteria, CommunityNew

Physical Education Minimums

• Elementary – 45 minutes/wk– May use structured PA to enhance

• Middle School – offered 2 grades• High School – offered 2 courses

• Physical Activity – daily opportunities • Not used as punishment

Structured Physical Activity – What Counts?

Structured physical activity must be:• Planned by a certified PE teacher• Implemented by a classroom teacher/school administrator• Increments of at least 10 minutes• At least moderate intensityAll students must participate!

Examples of structured physical activity • Activity breaks in the classroom• Walking clubs during school

School Nutrition Staff—Get Ready to Take the

HealthierUS School Challenge

Additional Criteria

• Nutrition Education• Physical Education• Physical Activity• Local School Wellness Policy• Fundraising• Other Criteria for Excellence

HUSSC criteria focuses on the entire school environment:

Take the Challenge

• Be the champion…initiate the discussions, review the criteria, make your nutrition education activities count!

Find other champions…

STUDENTS … … on your team• Excited• Dedicated• Knowledgeable• Creative • Flexible • Persistent• Patient

HealthierUS School Challenge 2012

HealthierUS School ChallengeArizona Current Winners

School Nutrition Staff—Get Ready to Take the

HealthierUS School Challenge

Learn from Winners

Arizona Award Winners

Cartwright School District #83 (5/13 – 5/17)

Bret R. Tarver Elementary School (Gold) Cartwright Elementary School (Gold) Charles W. Harris Elementary School (Gold) Desert Sands Middle School (Gold) Estrella Middle School (Silver) Frank Borman Elementary School (Gold) G. Frank Davidson Elementary School (Gold) Glenn L. Downs Elementary School (Gold) Heatherbrae Elementary School (Gold) Holiday Park Elementary School (Gold) J ohn F. Long Elementary School (Gold) J ustine Spitalny Elementary School (Gold) Manuel Pena J r. Elementary School (Gold) Marc T. Atkinson Middle School (SI lver) Palm Lane Elementary School (Gold) Peralta Elementary School (Gold) Raul H. Castro Middle School (Gold) Starlight Park Elementary School (Gold) Sunset Elementary School (Gold) Tomahawk Elementary School (Gold)

Balsz School District (3/12 – 3/16)

Balsz Elementary School (Silver) Brunson Lee Elementary School (Silver) Griffith Elementary School (Silver)

Humboldt Unified School District (7/11 – 7/15)

Coyote Springs Elementary School (Bronze) Lake Valley Elementary School (Bronze) Mountain View Elementary School (Bronze)

Synergy

Keep our eyes on the prize.

School Nutrition Staff—Get Ready to Take the

HealthierUS School Challenge

Resources

• HealthierUS School Challenge Criteria Chart • HealthierUS School Challenge Online application •Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)• Brochure o download only – print copies available soon

• Guidance Documents• Gayle.McCartney@azed.gov (602) 364-3177

http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov/HealthierUS/index.html

School Nutrition Staff—Get Ready to Take the

HealthierUS School ChallengeQuestions?