(from left to right): me, USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon, and Wellness Committe Co-chairs Carolina Graham and Pam Koch

Over a year ago I was on the White House lawn listening to First Lady Michelle Obama kick-off her Let’s Move campaign and encourage schools to take the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). It was a thrilling day for me as I got to cook in the White House kitchen with Chef Sam Kass and head up a nutrition education program as part of the day’s activities. But that day was only a beginning, as I heeded Mrs. Obama’s call to action and got my daughter’s NYC public school on board to take the challenge.

It has been quite an undertaking blazing the trail, but I can now say that our school is the first New York City school to have met the challenge! This Friday October 21st, we will receive a banner, certificate and a $500 monetary incentive award at an award ceremony attended by USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon as well as NYC SchoolFood officials. Our school will join the celebrated ranks of the fewer than 1,300 schools nationwide that have met the challenge.

I hope our efforts pave the way for many more New York schools, and schools around the country to go for it. The HUSSC has been an effective tool helping us focus changes in our school- those that impact our children daily, from the more nutritious choices they make in the cafeteria and at school events, to the nutrition education they receive and the amount of time they spend being physically active. Overall these changes foster a school environment of healthy living and teach our children good habits that will last them a lifetime.

What is the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC)?

The HUSSC is a national, voluntary program that was established by the US Department of Agriculture to recognize schools that create healthier environments by committing to specific nutrition and physical education standards. The program is a key component of the First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign to help end childhood obesity. There are four levels of achievement possible, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction. We have received the Bronze level award.

What specific changes have we made?

• *We developed a school Wellness Policy.
• *We offer more whole grains, whole fruit and vegetables in the cafeteria and afterschool programs.
• *We installed a WaterJet water cooler in the cafeteria.
• *We reduced the amount of fruit juice and chocolate milk we offered in favor of more whole fruit and low-fat regular milk. 
• *We developed healthy snack guidelines for classroom snacks.
• *We conduct regular “Vegetable Tastings” in the cafeteria, with accompanying education about the highlighted vegetable for students and parents.
• *We incorporated healthier foods and nutrition education at our school events, including a Healthy Kids Challenge at our Spring Fair and a Taste of the Harvest table our Harvest Dance.
• *We scheduled recess before lunch. 
• *We have a structured nutrition education program in place. 
• *We provide more physical education and more opportunities for movement in the classroom.