All District 300 elementary schools have been awarded the "HealthierUS School Challenge" grant totaling $56,000.  The purpose is to fund the resources and staff training needed to meet the healthy-eating and nutrition-challenge levels set by the grant sponsors.

The grant is sponsored by the Illinois Nutrition Education Training (INET) Program along with USDA Team Nutrition. The "HealthierUS School Challenge" is a national program established by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to recognize schools that take specific steps to improve their school's nutrition environment and address childhood obesity.

"The point of the grant is to assess our current menus and wellness-related efforts," said Eric Knutson, D300 Team Leader on the project.  "We look forward to INET's expert assessment to determine our next steps for school wellness."

The good news will be presented in detail to the D300 School Board at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, during a regular Board meeting.  The public is welcome.

As a result of winning the grant, D300's 17 elementary schools will be evaluated and recognized for their current healthy-eating and nutrition-education levels, as compared to the grant's "Challenge" criteria.  D300 elementary schools can strive for any of the four levels of recognition including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the Gold Award of Distinction. Each school will be closely evaluated to determine its level of:

• Offering reimbursable lunches that demonstrate healthy menu planning practices and principles of the Dietary Guidelines for America, and that meet USDA nutrition standards.
• Providing nutrition education to students.
• Providing students with physical education and the opportunity for physical activity.
• Maintaining specific levels of enrollment for reimbursable lunches.
• Adhering to guidelines established by the FNS for foods served/sold in the school besides the National School Lunch Program.

 All D300 elementary schools now have a "HealthierUS School Challenge" team to implement the grant's objectives and make improvements for a healthier school environment.  These enthusiastic and dedicated committees are supported by each elementary school's principal.  Each school team will also include the school's nurse, physical fitness instructors, and food service staff as led by D300 Aramark General Manager Scott Rodgers.  The teams will be further guided by Eric Knutson, D300 Health Services Coordinator Sherrie Schmidt, and the D300 Wellness Committee.  They will all work closely together to ensure that the grant's objectives, activities and timelines are successfully carried out to meet the challenge.