John Magnarelli, United State Department of Agriculture’s top regional school lunch official, presented Charles A. Lindbergh Elementary School with a HealthierUS Award, one of the nation’s highest school nutrition awards, from the US Department of Agriculture.

Magnarelli applauded Lindbergh school students, food service staff and school officials for earning a Gold award in USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge. Only about two percent of schools nationwide have achieved HealthierUS status.

“We are reminded about the importance of providing our children access to nutritious meals so they are able to learn, thrive and grow,” said Magnarelli. “Through our HealthierUS School Challenge, USDA recognizes schools that have accepted the challenge of revamping school lunch with meals that look good, taste good and are good for you. These schools have moved away from processed foods to ones that offer fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and reduced levels of fat, salt and sugar.”

The Challenge is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation. Schools participating in the Challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food they serve at their schools, agree to provide nutrition education and provide opportunities for physical activity.

Challenge winners are recognized with Gold of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze-level certification. Challenge certification also includes monetary incentives for schools — $2,000 for Gold Award of Distinction, $1,500 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze.