OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. — Ohio County Schools has been recognized with a Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award for its efforts to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition Service, in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids, presented the district with the Breakfast Trailblazer Award. This accolade acknowledges the district’s success in reducing the amount of sugar served daily in school breakfasts.
The Breakfast Trailblazer Award is given to schools that meet specific criteria, including limiting added sugars and implementing student engagement and nutrition education initiatives.
“Well, we utilize a digital marketing television board in all of our cafeterias where we provide nutrition education on all different kinds of things,” said Renee Griffin, director of Nutrition and Wellness for Ohio County Schools, said. “From sports drinks, to vitamins, minerals, the importance of activity, getting enough sleep and all those things. Those run while the children are eating lunches in the cafeteria. So we utilize that as nutrition education in addition to other things.”
In addition to national and local recognition, Ohio County Schools received travel stipends to attend a Healthy Meals Summit. However, the summit has been made virtual to reach a broader audience.
