October 21, 2011

 

This Week

 

On Monday, the First Lady held a reception on the South Lawn for about 1,000 principals, nutrition directors, school foodservice professionals and other leaders from schools around the country participating in the HealthierUS School Challenge. The event was a celebration of all that they have achieved in bringing their schools closer to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

 

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks on Healthier U.S. Schools Challenge at the South Portico of the White House, Oct. 17, 2011. With Mrs. Obama on stage are; Alex Roman, 12, from Walsh Elementary School in Chicago, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Becke Bounds, Child Nutrition Director, Lamar County School District, in Mississippi. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

The HealthierUS School Challenge is an initiative designed to recognize schools participating in the National School Lunch program who voluntarily make changes to create a healthier school environment for their students through promotion of physical activity and nutrition. The First Lady issued the challenge to double the number of HealthierUS Schools in one year, and schools around the country stepped up. The goal of 1,250 schools was reached in June, and currently there are 1,631 schools that have completed the HealthierUS School Challenge.

One of the favorite attractions for the attendees was the giant apple constructed from faux apples recycled from the Korea State dinner. School officials were encouraged to share their “Recipes for Success”. Below are a few of the many comments received.
Leigh Ann Peterson, Oldham County Schools, Kentucky
“Increased fresh fruits and veggies, more ‘scratch’ cooking, reduced processed menu items, awareness of physical activity, introduce new items to students early on. Make learning fun and tasty.”
Dianne Carney, Mt. View Elementary, Antioch, Tennessee
“Make it eye appealing and serve it with love. Get students to try all the new things and get feedback from them.”
Riverside Elementary, Pearl River, Louisiana
“Committed community to supporting our school while we implement healthy lunches, nutritious snacks and lots of PE, sixty minutes a day – fuel up to play 60.”
Chantelle Smith, Mandeville Elementary, Mandeville, Louisiana
“Remembering that we are there for the kids first, basing all decisions on the question ‘What is best for the kids?’.”
Michelle Feliciano, Old Bridge Township, New Jersey
“Awareness is key. Make kids aware of how to make good food choices.”

GET ACTIVE TIP OF THE WEEK

Kids need at least 60 minutes of active and vigorous play each day. Parks and playgrounds in your community are some of the easiest and most enjoyable outlets to reach this goal.

Visit Let’s Move! Outside to find parks and playgrounds near you and get ideas on how you can be active.

EAT HEALTHY TIP OF THE WEEK

Set your kids up for successful snacking by placing healthy options at their eye level. Try leaving a bowl of fruit on a low table where small kids can reach it or making your own granola bars like the ones the White House Chefs made.

 

BLOG HIGHLIGHTS

First Lady Michelle Obama Takes Your Questions
Recently we took your questions about Let’s Move!, the First Lady’s initiative to end childhood obesity and posed them directly to First Lady Michelle Obama. More of the First Lady’s responses are here.

Healthy Recipes for Healthy Schools

Check out recipes from the HealthierUS School Challenge celebration.

Contact the White House

The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 •

202-456-1111

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