Kihei Public Charter School is the first Hawaii school to achieve the HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Award of Distinction, according to a news release. USDA's Ranae Ganske-Cerizo will visit the school to present the award later this month.
The HealthierUS School Challenge is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. It supports first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign by recognizing schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the initiative encourages all schools take a leadership role in helping students to make healthier eating and physical activity choices that will last a lifetime.
Kihei Public Charter School will receive $500, an award plaque signed by a USDA official, a banner to display and the school's name listed on the Team Nutrition website.
The school earned the Bronze Award of Distinction by working to support and improve the health of children and the community. As part of their effort, healthy items are featured on school menus and physical education and activity emphasized.
Ultimately, Food and Nutrition Service would like to see all schools receive such an award at any one of the four levels of superior performance: bronze, silver, gold or gold award of distinction. Schools awarded also receive a monetary incentive in addition to the other prizes earned by Kihei Charter School.
To qualify for an award, a school must submit a formal application and meet basic criteria set forth by the service.
