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’ 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.
“We congratulate Kenosha Unified on this important achievement,” said Executive Officer and President for Action for Healthy Kids Rob Bisceglie. “The HMI Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals,” he added.
“The KUSD Food Service team works hard daily to ensure every child is fed nutritious meals,” said KUSD Director of Food Services Emily V. Riedler, MS, RD, CD. “Congratulations to KUSD Nutrition Coordinator Rhea Burks for her hard work in making these changes a reality!”
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 – all as part of a cooperative agreement to develop and implement the USDA FNS’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative. Learn more about the Healthy Meals Incentives at www.healthymealsincentives.org.
Healthy meals are essential to the school environment and a proven tool for improving children’s 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.