TURNER – SAD 52’s Tripp Middle School students, staff and officials have been presented the Gold Award in USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge. Only about 7 percent of schools nationwide have achieved HealthierUS status.

“This school is truly a role model and the award puts them on the map as the first middle school in the state to earn a HealthierUS Gold Award,” said USDA Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon.

“Through our HealthierUS School Challenge, USDA recognizes schools are providing healthier meals and making sure students have opportunities to get active. These schools are creatively engaging and educating students to adopt healthier habits today that will put them on the path to a healthier future.”

“Teaching students to make healthy food choices is one of the components of health curriculum at Tripp Middle School,” said Health Instructor Marcia Fuller. “We focus on skills such as reading and understanding the information found on a food labels. Recognizing healthy portions and learning how to balance calories consumed with calories burned through physical activity.”

The Challenge is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative to end childhood obesity. Schools participating in the Challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food they serve at their schools, agree to provide nutrition education and provide opportunities for physical activity.

Challenge winners are recognized with Gold of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze-level certification. Challenge certification also includes monetary incentives for schools: $2,000 for Gold Award of Distinction, $1,500 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze. Learn more at http://www.fns.usda.gov/hussc/healthierus-school-challenge.

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