14 schools given national health award

MILTON, Fla (WALA) - Joyce Bollenbacher's grandchildren go to Bennett C. Russell Elementary School, one of 14 schools that now has a prestigious national health award under its belt.

"It puts it in their minds to eat healthier. Because this day and age, fast food is a thing everybody uses," said Bollenbacher.

The USDA presented the schools with the HealthierUS School Challenge award Monday, which recognized them for creating healthier school environments through good nutrition and keeping their students physically active.

Donald Arnett said better nutrition can mean all the difference with the students.

"Studies have shown that children who are not hungry and students who are well nourished, they are prepared to learn. They can accept and achieve all that their teachers are preparing for them. That kid can be all they can be as they transition into adulthood," Arnett said.

The schools made the effort to completely change their lunch menus, adding whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and even low fat milk.

Joie DeStefano is the principal of Holley-Navarre, the only middle school in the state to receive the award.

"A healthy lunch means they can participate a little better at P. E. They aren't weighed down by heavy sugar. We do see a difference because the students don't have the high and then the low. I hope it makes a difference on the FCAT," said DeStefano.

Santa Rosa School Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick said while the more nutritional foods do cost more, they were able to afford them by cutting back in other areas.

Bollenbacher said she's thrilled the schools are using these programs.

"It puts it more in their consciousness. Even the little ones say, 'Oh, this is healthy Nana'. So they're learning," Bollenbacher said.

The HealthierUS School challenge initiative was founded in 2004.

Since 2010, monetary awards are available for each level of award, including bronze, silver and gold.

In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced “Let’s Move!”, incorporating the initiative into her campaign to raise a healthier generation of kids.

Only seven districts in Florida have received recognition for the award.

Santa Rosa was the only district in the state to receive awards for middle schools.

The total results of the awards are:

• Bagdad Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• Bennett Russell Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• Berryhill Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• Chumuckla Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• East Milton Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• Holley Navarre Intermediate School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• Holley Navarre Middle School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• Holley Navarre Primary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• W.H. Rhodes Elementary School (Gold Award of Distinction)
• Pea Ridge Elementary School (Silver)
• S.S. Dixon Primary School (Silver)
• West Navarre Intermediate School (Silver)
• Gulf Breeze Middle School (Bronze)
• Sims Middle School (Bronze)

If you'd like to apply your school for the challenge you can do so at the USDA website .