Logan schools awarded nutrition grant

Logan Schools received a state grant which will aid in efforts to promote healthy eating habits among the student body.

Logan was awarded a $7,520 grant from the New Mexico State Department of Education Student Nutrition Bureau, said Sheila Miller, food service director, Logan Schools.

Miller said she applied for the grant in May which is funded through the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

Logan is one of 87 elementary schools throughout the state of New Mexico that will receive funding this year. Grants were awarded to schools based on the proportion of children who are eligible for free and reduced price meals and funding is based upon school enrollment.

Miller said this grant will aid the school which has recently decided to enter the “Healthier US School Challenge.”

“This challenge is voluntary and is designed to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choice for elementary students,” Miller said.

The Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) initiative was established in 2004 to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity, according to a United States Department of Agriculture press release.

In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced “Let’s Move!” The program is designed to combat the growing threat of childhood obesity, according to the release. As part of the initiative the Healthier U.S. School Challenge was incorporated into her campaign, according to the release.

Monetary incentives were offered to schools meeting the required criteria, according to the release. In addition to a plaque and banner the schools would receive the monetary incentive to continue offering healthier meals to students.

The current goal of the program is to have 1250 schools award-winning schools by June of 2011. Currently there are 723 schools which have received awards.