Splendora ISD’s Child Nutrition Department has received two Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition awards for improving the nutritional quality of the district’s school meals.

Presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), the department earned the USDA Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award and the USDA Innovation in Nutrition Education Award.

For the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award, cafeteria personnel introduced new menu items prepared from scratch using either local agricultural products or USDA foods, in accordance with the USDA recipe standardization process. The department also incorporated student engagement in the process.

Splendora ISD also implemented nutrition education activities for students, earning the Innovation in Nutrition Education Award.

“We congratulate Splendora ISD’s Child Nutrition Department on this important achievement,” said Rob Bisceglie, executive officer and president of Action for Healthy Kids. “The HMI Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals,” he added.

AFHK is recognizing school districts that spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement, and strategies used to provide meals aligned with the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This recognition is part of a cooperative agreement to implement the USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative.

Healthy school meals are essential to the school environment and are a proven tool for improving a child’s health, growth, development and educational outcomes. AFHK and USDA remain committed to strengthening school meals and investing in a bright future for children.

Learn more at www.healthymealsincentives.org.