Jackson Public Schools is proud to announce that 39 of its elementary schools received Gold Awards from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) HealthierUS Schools Challenge. A ceremony was held to celebrate the awards Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at Cardozo Middle School. USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Dr. Janey Thornton recognized JPS for improving its school meals and meeting the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC).
During her presentation at the ceremony, Under Secretary Thornton discussed the back to school initiative "The School Day Just Got Healthier" highlighting the USDA's new school meal standards which include:
- Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week;
- Increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods;
- Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk;
- Limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size;
- Increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats, added sugars, and sodium.
Thornton also visited Raines, Brown, and Lake elementary schools while in Jackson to observe classrooms and school gardens.
Established in 2004, HUSSC has recognized thousands of schools across America for their efforts in improving food and beverage offerings, teaching kids about nutritious food choices and being physically active, providing opportunities for physical activity, and having supportive school wellness policies.
2012 JPS HealthierUS Schools Challenge Gold Winners
- Baker Elementary School
- Barr Elementary School
- Bates Elementary School
- Boyd Elementary School
- Bradley Elementary School
- Brown Elementary School
- Casey Elementary School
- Clausell Elementary School
- Davis Magnet Elementary School
- Dawson Elementary School
- French Elementary School
- Galloway Elementary School
- George Elementary School
- G.N. Smith Elementary School
- Green Elementary School
- John Hopkins Elementary School
- Isable Elementary School
- Johnson Elementary School
- Key Elementary School
- Lake Elementary School
- Lee Elementary School
- Lester Elementary School
- Marshall Elementary School
- McLeod Elementary School
- McWillie Elementary School
- North Jackson Elementary School
- Oak Forest Elementary School
- Pecan Park Elementary School
- Poindexter Elementary School
- Power APAC Elementary School
- Raines Elementary School
- Spann Elementary School
- Sykes Elementary School
- Timberlawn Elementary School
- Van Winkle Elementary School
- Walton Elementary School
- Watkins Elementary School
- Wilkins Elementary School
- Woodville Heights Elementary School
Photo Gallery: JPS HealthierUS Schools Challenge Award