Health Award for Milford Elementary Schools

Who would’ve thought a spinach and strawberry salad would get the attention of the U.S. Department of Agriculture?

The Healthier U.S. School Challenge program, run by the U.S. Ag department, recognized eight city elementary schools today for excellence in providing nutrition and teaching healthy habits. The schools got “bronze” level awards, according to a release from Milford schools.

The schools won by doing simple but sensible things like serving healthy whole foods (that’s the spinach salad), teaching nutrition and healthy habits along with physical education, and offering more physical activity opportunities.

“The physical education teachers incorporated lessons that depicted life-long healthy habits.  The classroom teachers encouraged students to try new foods and explained why they are important for a healthy life.  The food service team incorporated new and colorful foods into our menus that taste great," schools' food service director Eileen Faustich said in a release.   

Each school will get a plaque, a banner, and $500 to go toward even more health and nutrition improvements.The HUSSC program is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative. Find out more here about Let’s Move.