Hawai’i Gets Funds for Healthier School Meals

By Wendy Osher

Hawaii is the recipient of a new $233,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture to support schools in meeting new meal requirements.

The funds support healthier meals, nutrition education, and an environment focused on healthy eating and physical activity.  The funds are part of a larger $5.2 million appropriation split among 18 states across the country.

“When we serve our children healthy school meals, we’re making a critical investment in their academic performance, their physical health, and their future,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.

“Today’s announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to provide States with the tools they need to build a healthy school environment. Providing nutrition education resources, extending training and technical assistance to food service professionals, and building community support helps ensure that every child in America has a chance to succeed,” said Merrigan.

The funding is in support of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Under the Team Nutrition training program, funding will support nutritious choices by structuring the cafeteria environment in a way that encourages the selection of healthy foods, and promote healthier environments to align with wellness requirements established in the Act.