BALTIMORE \u2013 <\/strong>Prince George\u2019s County Public Schools have gained national recognition as 13 of its schools achieved either Bronze or Silver-level awards in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).<\/p>\n Sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the HUSSC is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The initiative recognizes schools that are creating healthier school environments and promote wellness through healthy meals, nutrition education, and physical activity.<\/p>\n The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the USDA commend these schools for their leadership and teamwork to improve meal quality and for promoting their physical activity program.\u00a0To acknowledge their achievement, each school will receive a HUSSC award plaque, a banner to display, and a monetary award. The names of the schools will be posted on the Team Nutrition HUSSC website: http:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/tn\/HealthierUS\/awardwinners.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since the beginning of the HealthierUS School Challenge in 2014, 370 schools throughout Maryland have received HUSCC awards, with some schools receiving multiple awards.\u00a0 Prince George\u2019s County will be the last public school district in Maryland to receive HealthierUS School Challenge recognition. The USDA initiative has been discontinued, effective July 1, 2018.<\/p>\n For more information on Maryland\u2019s School Meals Programs, contact MSDE\u2019s Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0199 or visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity employers and providers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"