USDA and Action for Healthy Kids Recognize State’s Commitment to Student Nutrition
NORTH CAROLINA. — Fourteen North Carolina school districts have been recognized with prestigious Healthy Meal Incentive (HMI) Awards by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Action for Healthy Kids, highlighting the state’s commitment to improving nutritional standards in schools.
The awards, announced recently, celebrate school districts that have made significant operational changes to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals and engage students and families in nutrition education and meal preparation.
Award Categories and Recipients
The HMI Awards were presented in two main categories: Trailblazer and Innovation.
Breakfast Trailblazer Award
Catawba County Schools received recognition as a Breakfast Trailblazer for making gradual changes to reduce added sugars in school breakfast menus.
Innovation in Nutrition Education
Six districts were honored for their unique approaches to teaching students and families about nutrition:
- Bertie County Schools
- Buncombe County Schools
- Haywood County Schools
- Jackson County Schools
- New Hanover County Schools
- Pitt County Schools
Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals
Six additional districts received awards for their creative meal preparation methods:
- Craven County Schools
- Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools
- Elkin City Schools
- Graham County Schools
- Hoke County Schools
- Yadkin County Schools
Small and/or Rural Lunch Trailblazer
Beaufort County Schools was recognized for excellence in reducing sodium in school lunch programs while serving small and rural communities.
National Initiative Supporting School Nutrition
The HMI Awards are part of a cooperative agreement between USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and Action for Healthy Kids. The initiative aims to recognize and celebrate school districts nationwide that are working to align their menus with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The Trailblazer Award Series specifically highlights districts making gradual changes to reduce sodium in school lunch and added sugars in school breakfast. The Innovation Award Series recognizes unique approaches and achievements in engaging students and families while exceeding current school nutrition standards.
Award recipients will be formally recognized at the upcoming virtual HMI Summit in November.
Eligibility and Program Information
School districts participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) are eligible to apply for the Recognition Awards. A complete list of national recipients is available on the HMI website.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Office of School Nutrition administers multiple federal nutrition programs throughout the state, including the School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program, After School Snack Program, and Summer Nutrition (SUN Meal) Programs.
For more information about school and summer nutrition programs in North Carolina, visit the Office of School Nutrition website.
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Program information is available in multiple languages and accessible formats for persons with disabilities.
