<p> The USDA and New Jersey Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition officials have presented McKinley and Ocean Acres Elementary Schools, Ronald L. Mienders Primary Learning Center, and Stafford Intermediate School with Healthier US School Challenge Awards, recognizing the schools for promoting good nutrition and physical activity, according to a press release. The schools, which were presented with banners and certificates during a ceremony at Oxycocus Elementary School, each received the Bronze Level of the award, which carries a $500 prize for each school.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/hl_nj_dept_ag_nov_26_2013_body00.jpg" alt="images 112913" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “The Stafford Township School District has made good nutrition and teaching about healthy lifestyles a priority,” said Rose Tricario, NJ Department of Agriculture Division of Food and Nutrition Director. “They are truly deserving of the prestigious Healthier US School Challenge Award. We encourage them to continue to build upon their successes and reach higher levels of the award.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Stafford Township school lunch menus were modified to meet the HUSSC guidelines, including all whole grains, vegetable sub-groups, fruits, and competitive snacks. Students through grade K-6 also receive nutrition education, such as interpreting food labels, as well as receiving an average of 150 minutes per week of physical education.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “It is an honor to be able to share with parents/guardians that we are a Healthier US School Challenge bronze award winning school district,” said George Chidiac, Stafford Township School Superintendent. “Our district is committed to good nutrition with the healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. Combined with exercise and healthy eating, our physical education staff is dedicated to this commitment and offers many activities during recess and regularly scheduled classes.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Congratulations to these schools for their commitment to healthy eating!</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.fns.usda.gov/hussc/healthierus-school-challenge" target="_new"> Healthier US School Challenge </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
