New Orleans-area district tops HealthierUS School Challenge

St. Tammany Parish Public Schools are making national news by having 25 of the district's schools meet the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), a larger number than for any other school district in the United States. St. Tammany Schools continue to work to support and improve the health of our children and our community. As part of that effort, healthy items are featured on lunch menus and physical education and activity are emphasized.

Bill Ludwig, the USDA Regional Administrator, presented the 23 school principals and cafeteria managers with the USDA Gold Award of Distinction at the St. Tammany School Board Meeting on May 21. Two schools already earned the distinction last year.

Superintendent W. L. "Trey" Folse, III said, "We are extremely proud of our schools for earning this highest level of distinction from the USDA. It is through a lot of hard work that we continue to be a leader in the nation in the area of food services."

The HUSSC application process was led by Pat Farris, Supervisor of School Food Services for St. Tammany Schools.