Wiltons Cider Mill School Wins Healthy Schools Challenge Award

WILTON, Conn. – Cider Mill School in Wilton received a bronze-level award in this year's United States Department of Agriculture HealthierUS School Challenge, a voluntary certification initiative that recognizes schools that promote healthy lifestyles through better nutrition and physical education.

Wilton's Cider Mill School won a bronze award in the HealthierUS School Challenge for providing healthier school lunches and promoting more physical activity among students.
Photo Credit: *File*

by Vanessa Inzitari

04/29/2013 4:30 p.m.

In order to qualify for the award, Cider Mill School had to serve a variety of healthier foods that appealed to students and emphasized fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products, lean proteins, and foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Less than 6 percent of eligible schools nationwide have earned an HUSSC distinction, according to a statement from the School Nutrition Association of Connecticut.

“With the help of our onsite dietician, Trish Shoemaker, and dedicated cafeteria staff members, we were able to achieve this significant goal,” Wilton schools Food Service Director Brian Reynolds said in the statement.

Cider Mill School was also required to meet certain nutrition education, wellness and physical activity standards of the HUSSC.

The school received its award last Friday, along with a $500 check. The awards were presented by USDA Food and Nutrition Service Regional Administrator James Arena-DeRosa during the second annual School Breakfast Summit in East Hartford.

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