Mineola Elementary Schools Awarded HealthierUS Medal

The five elementary schools within the Mineola School District were awarded a bronze medal from the Healthier US School Challenge.

The , , , and  were awarded HUSSC Bronze Level in June.

In order to qualify for the Bronze award, Mineola had to demonstrate that it met all the HUSSC nutritional requirements on an on-going basis, serving a variety of healthier foods that appeal to the students, planning meals that feature fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; and that include lean proteins and foods low in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars.

The school was also required to prove its compliance with the health and physical education criteria of the HUSSC according to age group.  

The Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) was established by the USDA to recognize schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that create healthier school environments by providing nutrition education, nutritious food and beverage choices, physical education and opportunities for physical activity. This initiative is a main component in first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, an effort to end the childhood obesity epidemic.

Including Mineola, there are only 13 schools in New York State which have received medal status.