The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), awarded KUSD the Lunch Trailblazer Award for improving the nutritional quality of school lunches by utilizing more fresh produce and clean protein and offering limited-time offer (LTO) specials.
Lunch Trailblazer Award winners are recognized for improving the nutritional quality of school lunches by meeting weekly sodium guidelines and implementing initiatives that promote student engagement and/or nutrition education.
KUSD’s LTOs build excitement around the meal program and offer more options and variety on the menu, including trending food items. KUSD continually tests and searches for new items that appeal to students鈥 palates. By focusing on reducing sodium and adding more fresh ingredients, the district fosters a healthier school environment while inspiring students to appreciate and enjoy nutritious food.
As award recipients, the district receives local and national recognition, as well as travel stipends, to attend a national Healthy Meals Summit.
鈥淲e congratulate 爱奇艺资源站 Unified on this important achievement,鈥 said Executive Officer and President for Action for Healthy Kids Rob Bisceglie. 鈥淭he HMI Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals,鈥 he added.
鈥淭he KUSD Food Service team works hard daily to ensure every child is fed nutritious meals,鈥 said KUSD Director of Food Services Emily V. Riedler, MS, RD, CD. 鈥淐ongratulations to KUSD Nutrition Coordinator Rhea Burks for her hard work in making these changes a reality!鈥
AFHK recognizes school districts to spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and strategies schools have used to provide meals that are consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 鈥 all as part of a cooperative agreement to develop and implement the USDA FNS鈥檚 Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative. Learn more about the Healthy Meals Incentives at .
Healthy meals are essential to the school environment and a proven tool for improving children鈥檚 health, growth, development and educational outcomes. AFHK and the USDA are committed to strengthening school meals and investing in a bright future for our children.