North Carolina Schools Shine in National Healthy Meal Initiative
North Carolina’s commitment to enhancing school meal programs has received national recognition, with fourteen school districts earning accolades in the USDA’s Healthy Meal Incentive (HMI) Awards. These awards, presented in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids, honor schools for pioneering advancements in nutrition education and meal preparation.
Trailblazing and Innovative Approaches
The HMI Awards, categorized into Trailblazer and Innovation distinctions, acknowledge schools that are setting new standards in nutrition. The Trailblazer Awards focus on gradually aligning school meal offerings with the 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing reduced sodium and added sugars. Meanwhile, the Innovation Awards celebrate unique approaches in meal preparation and education that engage students and families.
Among the North Carolina schools recognized for innovation in nutrition education are:
- Bertie County Schools
- Buncombe County Schools
- Haywood County Schools
- Jackson County Schools
- New Hanover County Schools
- Pitt County Schools
In the category of Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals, the following districts were honored:
- Craven County Schools
- Elizabeth-City Pasquotank Public Schools
- Elkin City Schools
- Graham County Schools
- Hoke County Schools
- Yadkin County Schools
Recognition and Further Information
Awards will be presented at the forthcoming virtual HMI Summit in November, celebrating the efforts of these districts that surpass standard nutrition guidelines. Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) were eligible to apply for these awards. Further details and a complete list of awardees can be found on the HMI website.
In North Carolina, the Department of Public Instruction’s Office of School Nutrition oversees several nutrition programs, including the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, with federal support from the USDA. More on these initiatives is available on the Office of School Nutrition website.
The USDA enforces strict civil rights regulations, ensuring no discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or retaliation for previous civil rights activity. Program information is accessible in various languages, and alternative communication methods are available for individuals with disabilities. For assistance, contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 or utilize the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To report discrimination, individuals can complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form. This form can be obtained online in English and Spanish, from USDA offices, or by calling (866) 632-9992. Completed forms can be submitted to the USDA via mail, fax, or email.
Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442
Email:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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