Two Georgetown County School District Elementary Schools Recognized by USDA for Outstanding Nutrition Environment

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Southeast Regional Administrator Don Arnette presented Silver Certificates and Banners to two Georgetown County School Principals and other school officials for their schools meeting USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge at a high level. The ceremony took place today at Brown’s Ferry Elementary School, 7292 Brown’s Ferry Road, Georgetown, S.C. 29440. In addition to Brown’s Ferry, Pleasant Hill Elementary School, 127 Schoolhouse Road, Hemingway, S.C. 29554 was also recognized.

I’m pleased to recognize these Georgetown County Elementary Schools for achieving Silver-level status,” Arnette said. “The HealthierUS School Silver award is one of the highest honors a school nutrition program can achieve and reflects a strong commitment to provide students with additional healthy food options throughout the school campus, and to emphasize nutrition education and physical activity in the school curriculum.

“This elementary school has set a high standard of excellence for others to follow. I’m thankful to all who helped make these achievements possible – they are making a positive difference in the lives of our nation’s children.”

USDA has issued a challenge to schools throughout the nation to make changes to their school nutrition environment, improve the quality of the foods served, and provide students with more nutritious, healthy choices.

These Georgetown County School District Elementary Schools have successfully met that challenge by taking specific steps to improve their programs, address obesity, and encourage other schools to follow their lead. As a result of their efforts, each school received a Silver Award, one of USDA’s highest.

“It is an honor to be recognized by USDA,” said Jan Knox, director of food services for the Georgetown County School District. “We believe in serving school children quality meals. With the support of the administrators, teachers, cafeteria managers and staff, physical education specialists, counselors, parent volunteers and all other team players, these schools exemplify teaching healthy lifestyles.”

These schools’ achievements are very significant because obesity is a growing concern for school children in the United States. USDA believes that schools should be taking a leadership role in helping students learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices and commends these South Carolina schools for leading the way in improving the school nutrition environment.