Representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture were at Indian Valley Elementary School today to present the Healthier US School Challenge Gold of Distinction Award for excellence in school nutrition and physical activity. Indian Valley joins an elite group of 58 Alabama schools who have achieved this high level of certification. Furthermore, Alabama leads the nation with the most Gold of Distinction schools.

 USDA’s Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary program that raises the nutritional standards of school lunch. Students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day as well as whole grains at every lunch, with portion sizes and calorie levels designed to maintain a healthy weight for growing children.

 “USDA applauds Indian Valley for achieving the Healthier US School Challenge’s highest standards and for their role in creating an environment that promotes both nutritious meals and physical activity,” said Steve Hortin, Deputy Director for Special Nutrition Programs at USDA.

 The Child Nutrition staff at Indian Valley is managed by Lisa Garrett. She and her staff, Teresa Darling, Rosie Hamilton, Anita Huntley, and Sandy Washburn, have demonstrated a commitment to performing their work while giving the needs of their students the highest priority. Indian Valley Coach Kevin Hardiman creates a fun environment for the early elementary students to explore the possibilities for the healthy growth, development, and coordination of their growing bodies.

 Along with participation in HUSSC, Indian Valley also is a recipient of a USDA grant promoting the use of fresh fruits and vegetables. In this program, called “Fruity Valley,” students have enjoyed a wide array of fresh produce including pineapple, berries, pluots, plums, grapes, broccolini, asparagus, carrot pearls, red and orange bell peppers, and a variety of lettuces. 

Schools participating in the Challenge voluntarily adopt stringent standards in menu planning and preparation, while providing nutrition education and opportunities for physical activity. Achievement levels are recognized with awards of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the highest honor, Gold of Distinction.

 Last year Nichols-Lawson Middle School in Sylacauga became one of only three middle schools in Alabama certified in the Challenge by receiving the Silver Award.

“Qualifying for certification in the HUSSC program is stringent and requires much attention to the details of our operations,” remarked Kelley Wassermann, Director of Child Nutrition for Sylacauga City Schools. “The commitment of the staff and faculty of Indian Valley Elementary School demonstrates that the well-being of the students comes first. In Child Nutrition, it is our responsibility to help nourish students’ bodies so that the teachers can nourish their minds. The excellent nutrition program in place at Indian Valley, along with the fun and enthusiasm of their physical education activities, combine to create an environment for the students to reach their full potential.”

For further information contact:

Kelley Wassermann
Director, Child Nutrition Programs
256-249-7025
wassermannk@sylacauga.k12.al.us