Many children consume at least half of their daily calories at school, and for many children, food served at school may be the only food they regularly eat. The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) establishes rigorous criteria for schools’ food quality, participation in meal programs, physical activity opportunities and nutrition education–the key components that make for healthy and active kids.

This nationwide award program, created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2004, recognizes schools that create healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Schools that are doing the very best work to keep kids healthy are recognized, and high-achieving schools even receive monetary incentives.

The USDA, working with partners in schools and the private sector, is working to double the number of schools that meet the HUSSC criteria, as well as adding 1,000 more schools over the next two following years. Visit the HealthierUS School Challenge website to sign up today.

To help meet the goal of increasing the number of schools that meet the Challenge, while taking into account recommendations put forth by the independent National Academy of Medicine (previously the Institute of Medicine), major school food suppliers in more than 75% of America’s schools have committed to decrease the amount of sugar, fat and salt in school meals; increase whole grains; and double the amount of produce they serve within 10 years. With these commitments, children will receive more nutritious meals in school and have better information on the importance of healthy eating, putting them on track to a healthier life.

With these commitments, schools all across the country can raise their standards and transform classrooms and cafeterias into healthier environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity.