Get Active in Your Child's School : The HealthierUS School Challenge

What is the Challenge?
The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a program started by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). HUSSC awards schools that are committed to your child's health and physical activity. Since your child may eat breakfast and lunch at school, it is important that they get the best nutrition available.  Schools that sign-up for the challenge must improve the quality of foods served, offer nutrition education classes, and provide physical activity to students and teachers.

Why is it important for schools to participate in the Challenge?
Children who receive poor nutrition and little physical activity have lower performance in school than students who receive good nutrition and physical activity.  Also, children who are overweight or obese are more likely to be obese into their adult lives.  A healthy school environment is important not only to your child's success in the classroom but also to your child's health into their adulthood.

How to help your child's school meet the Challenge?
Start by visiting the USDA Team Nutrition website to learn more about the HealthierUS School Challenge.  Once you are familiar with the challenge, you can see if your child's school is on their way to become a HealthierUS School.  Contact your school to learn more ways to be involved and help your child's school achieve a healthier school environment.