Secretaries highlight healthy nutrition, local food initiatives, and new standards for student success.
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Education recently hosted a virtual pep rally to celebrate back-to-school and express appreciation to those who support the education and nourishment of school children nationwide. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the importance of healthy school meals in promoting students’ growth and learning, while Education Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasized that schools serve as community hubs that meet students’ basic needs, including nutrition.
Secretary Cardona said, “As someone who’s been a teacher and a school principal, I’ve seen how hard our school nutrition professionals work every day – and I’ve seen the incredible difference it makes when a student comes to class after a healthy meal, energized, with a smile on their face, ready to learn.”
The USDA introduced updated nutrition standards this year, offering schools more flexibility in serving healthier meals. Some districts received USDA Healthy Meals Incentives grants, part of an investment aimed at enhancing school meal programs, particularly in small and rural communities.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the two secretaries as they collaborate on school nutrition awareness and initiatives.
- For officials in USDA and the Department of Education as they seek to improve student success.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
