Senator Debbie Stabenow Congratulates Clio Public Schools and Chartwells For Bronze Award Wins in the HealthierUS School Challenge

CLIO, Mich., March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that schools play an important role in improving the health and wellness of today's children, Chartwells School Dining Services is proud to announce that three Clio School District elementary schools -- Clio Edgerton, Clio Garner, and Lacure -- have received a bronze award in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC).  In a presentation delivered yesterday at Clio Garner Elementary School, Senator Debbie Stabenow recognized the achievements of Clio Public Schools and its foodservice partner, Chartwells School Dining Services in expanding healthier, more nutritious menu options in K-12 lunchroom programs and offering opportunities for physical activity.

Sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the HUSSC is a voluntary national certification initiative that provides recognition to schools that have created a healthier school environment.  Schools receiving the bronze award will receive a $500 monetary incentive, an award plaque signed by a USDA official, a banner to display in their school and their name listed on the Team Nutrition website. 

"Serving healthy and delicious meals that also adhere to nutrition and safety guidelines has always been our number one priority," said Mary Darnton, District Manager of Chartwells School Dining Services.  "We are honored that our efforts are being recognized and we will continue to make a positive impact on our schools, our students and their families by providing healthy meals and nutrition education."

HUSSC award criteria reflect the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) published recommendations for foods that should be served in schools.  Schools participating in the challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food served at the schools and agree to provide nutrition education and opportunities for physical activity. 

Schools receiving a HUSSC award committed to and delivered upon the following criteria:

• Meet all the requirements of the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, including meal requirements.
• Serve reimbursable meals that reflect good menu planning principles, such as serving a variety of healthier foods that look good, taste good, and appeal to the cultural sensitivities of the school and community populations.
• Plan meals that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; that include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and that are low in saturated fats, trans-fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.
• Offer foods that ensure that students can select a meal that meets all the HUSSC criteria.

These three schools join the ranks of an elite, national group recognized for health, nutrition and fitness excellence.  Since the beginning of the HUSSC program in 2004, awards have been given to schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia. As of February 24, 2014, there are 6,699 schools certified in the United States. Currently, 236 schools served by Chartwells nationwide are HUSSC certified.

Chartwells School Dining Services has partnered with the Clio School District for 33 years. For more information about Clio School District, please visit www.clioschools.org. For more information about Chartwells, visit www.eatlearnlive.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Chartwells School Dining Services
Chartwells, a division of Charlotte, NC-based Compass Group, provides dining services for over 550 public school districts and private schools, comprising over 4,000 separate elementary, middle and high schools nationwide. 

SOURCE Chartwells School Dining Services