1. HealthierUS School Challenge
Adrienne Elise Haschke, MS, RD
Curriculum Development Specialist
Texas Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

2. HealthierUS School Challenge
What: A voluntary certification initiative
developed by the USDA
Why: To improve the health of the Nation’s children
by promoting healthier school environments
How: Recognize excellence in quality of foods served,
nutrition education and physical activity

3. HealthierUS Schools will:
1. Meet all school meals requirements
2. Provide nutrition education
3. Provide physical education
4. Provide opportunities for physical activity
5. Meet HUSSC criteria throughout 4-year certification period

4. Gold Award of Distinction
Four award levels
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Gold Award of Distinction

5. School Meals Criteria
Whole Grains
Fruits
Vegetables

6. Whole Grains
Per New Meal Pattern, a percentage of weekly grain offerings must be whole grain-rich
Breakfast SY
Lunch SY
HUSSC criteria goes above and beyond the New Meal Pattern requirements
Criteria differ for breakfast and lunch and for each award level

7. Fruits Per New Meal Pattern, fruit serving sizes are required
HUSSC criteria goes above and beyond the New Meal Pattern requirements
Variety
Fresh fruits
Criteria differ for breakfast and lunch and for each award level

8. Vegetables
Per New Meal Pattern, vegetable serving sizes are required, as well as vegetable subgroups
HUSSC criteria goes above and beyond the New Meal Pattern requirements
Additional variety
Criteria differ for lunch and for each award level

9. Nutrition Education Elementary School: all students, all grades
Middle School
One grade for Bronze and Silver
Two grades for Gold and Gold Award of Distinction
High School: two courses required to graduate
Texas Department of Agriculture

10. Physical Education
Elementary School: provide to all students, in all grades, throughout the school year
Middle School: offer in at least two grades, for all award levels
High School: offer in at least two courses, for all award levels
Texas Department of Agriculture

11. Physical Activity
Must provide opportunities, such as recess, intramural sports, walking clubs, etc.
May not be enforced or denied as a form of punishment
Texas Department of Agriculture

12. Additional Criteria Competitive Foods Local School Wellness Policy
Other Criteria for Excellence
Texas Department of Agriculture

13. Other Criteria for Excellence
School Food Service
Program Outreach
2 of 20
Nutrition Education
Physical Activity
Bronze
School and Community Involvement in Wellness

14. Other Criteria for Excellence
School Food Service
Program Outreach
4 of 20
Nutrition Education
Physical Activity
Silver
School and Community Involvement in Wellness

15. Other Criteria for Excellence
School Food Service
Program Outreach
6 of 20
Nutrition Education
Physical Activity
Gold
School and Community Involvement in Wellness

16. Other Criteria for Excellence
School Food Service
Program Outreach
8 of 20
Nutrition Education
Physical Activity
Gold of Distinction
School and Community Involvement in Wellness

17. In Summary
HealthierUS School Challenge is a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes healthy school environments
Partnership is crucial to exhibiting excellence in the 3 broad categories: School Food, Education and Physical Activity

18. The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C or call toll free (866) (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) ; or (800) (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.