3.2.2012 USDA Food and Nutrition Service revealed new criteria for the HealthierUS School Challenge that reflect the new meal pattern requirements. The new criteria will be effective July 1, 2012 coinciding with implementation of the new meal pattern requirements. Details of the new criteria can be found on this chart here. link
Noteworthy changes include:
- Schools must partcipate in the School Breakfast Program and meet average daily participation benchmarks
- Schools must meet criteria relating to fruits and/or vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat and fat-free milk at breakfast
- New “Other Criteria for Excellence” category, from which schools must choose a minimum of 2, 4, 6 or 8 criteria (depending on award level) related to program outreach, physical activity, nutrition education, and school and community involvement in wellness efforts.
For more information, see the HealthierUS School Challenge USDA page link.
