Provided by LCSD No. 2

We proudly announce that LCSD No. 2 has received a Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award for making improvements to the nutritional quality of our district’s school meals.

Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), LCSD No. 2 received the “Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award” for incorporating menu items that are prepared from scratch using USDA food in accordance with the USDA recipe standardization process and incorporating student engagement. Our homemade chicken noodle soup, made with whole grain noodles, Street Pork Carnitas, and pancake sausage griddle muffins, were recognized as part of a healthy school meal program.

As an award recipient, we are also receiving national and local recognition and travel stipends to attend a national Healthy Meals Summit.

“We congratulate LCSD No. 2 on this important achievement,” said Rob Bisceglie, Executive Officer and President for Action for Healthy Kids. “The HMI Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals,” he added.

“LCSD No. 2 is honored to be recognized for its commitment to providing nutritious meals,” stated Sue Helm, Food Service Director for Lincoln County School District No. 2. “Our objective is to serve delectable and nourishing food that will empower students to fuel their bodies and enhance their academic performance.”

AFHK is recognizing school districts to spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and strategies schools have used to provide meals that are consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans – all as part of a cooperative agreement to develop and implement the USDA FNS’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative. Learn more about the Healthy Meals Incentives at www.healthymealsincentives.org.

Healthy school meals are an essential part of the school environment and a proven tool for improving a child’s health, growth, development, and educational outcomes. AFHK and USDA are committed to working together to strengthen school meals and investment in a bright future for our children.

“I’m so thrilled to see my team recognized for their incredible hard work,” said Helm. “They truly go above and beyond to make every recipe taste amazing! It was great to have the state recommend us for the award. It means a lot that they feel we’re doing a fantastic job, too!”