MCPS Schools Recognized for Outstanding Nutrition Environment
June 1, 2018...Eight Manassas City schools have earned Silver or Bronze status from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Nutrition Consumer Services for meeting school meal criteria set forth by the Healthier US School Challenge.
Under the guidance of the division's school nutrition director, schools earn the recognition by improving their food service programs in an effort to address childhood obesity. Participating schools must apply for the challenge. Schools are then selected for a monetary award based on providing healthy options for students, including opportunity for physical activity, nutrition education, participation in national school breakfast and lunch programs, and healthier snacks. Bronze Award recipients receive $500 per school and Silver Award recipients receive $1,000 per school, bringing Manassas City Schools' total to $7,500!
The schools that were that were honored with a Bronze or Silver Award include:
- Baldwin Elementary School (Silver)
- George C. Round Elementary School (Silver)
- Weems Elementary School (Silver)
- C. Haydon Elementary School (Silver)
- Osbourn High School (Silver)
- Metz Middle School (Bronze)
- Mayfield Intermediate School (Silver)
- Jennie Dean Elementary School (Silver)
According to the Director of the Office of School Nutrition Programs for the Virginia Department of Education Sandy Curwood, the "achievement is significant because obesity is a growing concern for school children in the United States. Recognizing that schools have more influence on the lives of young people than any other institution, USDA encourages all schools to take a leadership role in helping students learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices that will last a lifetime."