Meriden Public Schools

School Meals are Healthy Meals

Meriden Public Schools Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) Awards

Current Awards:

  • Casimir Pulaski Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction):  1 of 36 in the nation
  • John Barry Elementary School (Gold)
  • Roger Sherman Elementary School (Gold)
  • Lincoln Middle School (Gold)
  • Washington Middle School (Gold)
  • Thomas Edison Middle School (Silver)
  • Maloney High School (Gold)
  • Platt High School (Gold)

What is the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC)?

The HealthierUS School Challenge is a voluntary certification initiative that has recognized thousands of schools for their efforts in improving food and beverage offerings, teaching kids about nutritious food choices and being physically active, providing opportunities for physical activity, and having supportive school wellness policies.

Participation in the HealthierUS School Challenge is voluntary and certifies schools that meet specific criteria at four award levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Award of Distinction.

Schools play an important role in helping to reduce childhood obesity. Kids who have healthy eating patterns and get regular physical activity are also more likely to perform better academically. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers the HealthierUS School Challenge to support the over 101,000 schools that participate in school meals programs in their efforts to promote nutritious food choices and physical activity. As of April 2018, 3,126 schools have been certified in 50 states and in the District of Columbia. Of the total awards given; 2,120 are Bronze, 760 are Silver, 210 are Gold and 36 are Gold Awards of Distinction.

In Connecticut, there are currently 217 individual schools that have received a HUSSC award. Of those 217 HUSSC awards, 205 awards are Bronze and 12 are Silver. Proudly, Meriden Middle Schools has received 3 of the 12 Silver awards in CT!

Why Participate?

Participating schools can:

  • Get recognized nationally;
  • Build school spirit, cooperation, and proudly display the HealthierUS banner and plaque as a symbol of their school's achievement;
  • Be a leader in efforts to end childhood obesity; and,
  • The HealthierUS School Challenge helps you form a school team and learn from what's worked at other schools.

How is Meriden Eligible to Apply?

Schools are eligible to apply if they:

  • Participate in the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP);
  • Are a USDA Team Nutrition school; and,
  • Meet or exceed all HealthierUS School Challenge criteria for the desired award level relating to: school breakfast and lunch offerings, foods sold outside of the school meal programs, average daily participation for the SBP and NSLP, nutrition education, physical education, opportunities for physical activity, school wellness policies and practices, a menu of other criteria for excellence from which schools are selected.