USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon and Regional Administrator Allen Ng visited Madrona Elementary School Monday, Feb. 6 to recognize four Highline schools for their efforts to promote good nutrition and active lifestyles among students.

Under Secretary Concannon presented plaques to principals from Madrona, Southern Heights, Beverly Park, and White Center Heights elementary schools, as well as to Highline’s Nutrition Services Director, Chris Neal. Under the guidance of Nutrition Services staff, the four schools achieved silver status in the Healthier US School Challenge, championed by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Silver award schools are in the top one percent in the nation for adhering to healthy standards, according to Under Secretary Concannon. No other schools in Washington achieved the silver designation.

To win the award, the schools provide healthier foods in their school meals; educate students about nutrition; ensure that students get at least 90 minutes of PE per week; and give students opportunities for physical activity.

Madrona, Southern Heights, White Center Heights, and Beverly Park are already using the new healthier school meal standards issued by the USDA last week.

“You are at the head of the pack for adopting the new standards,” said Concannon.

“We know that children learn better when they have a regular source of healthy meals. And as we look at some of the challenges facing our country with obesity and preventable illnesses, to the extent that we can instill, support, and reinforce healthier eating we will have healthier adults later in life.”

For more information about the Healthier US School Challenge, go to http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthierus/index.html