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READY TO GET INVOLVED IN THE HEALTHY MEALS INCENTIVES INITIATIVE? HERE’S HOW! There are plenty of ways to join the momentum and make a difference through the HMI Initiative! Whether you’re looking to take action, stay informed, or find inspiration, we’ve got you covered. 1 Apply for an award to share the story of the amazing things you’re doing to create healthier, more inclusive school meals.
about free resources available to them through USDA’s Team Nutrition and the Institute of Child Nutrition, hear updates from USDA’s Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program, and learn about the power of joy with Dr. Deonna Smith. Throughout the Summit, attendees also participated in various breakout sessions where school nutrition leaders shared best practices on topics such as plant-based meals, local food procurement, scratch cooking, nutri - tion and physical activity, and food justice. The Fall 2024 Healthy Meals Summit underscored the power of collaboration, creativity, and community in advancing school nutrition. The diverse sessions, hands-on activities, and meaningful dis- cussions equipped attendees with re- newed inspiration and practical insights to bring positive change to their school meal program. We hope you will continue the adventure with us by applying for a Rec- ognition Award to be eligible to attend the Fall 2025 Healthy Meals Summit! As part of a cooperative agreement to develop and implement the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Healthy Meals In- centives (HMI) Initiative , Action for Healthy Kids in partnership with Chef Ann Founda- tion and RMC Health, are recognizing and celebrating School Food Authorities (SFAs) ABOUT THE HEALTHY MEALS INCENTIVES INITIATIVE
who have made operational changes to improve the nutritional quality of their school meals, as well as SFAs who engage students and families in nutrition educa- tion and in the planning and preparation of nutritious school meals. The awards also celebrate school dis- tricts that are working to meet USDA’s updates to the school nutrition standards. These standards ensure that school meals are nutritious by offering more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while re- ducing added sugars and sodium. The Recognition Awards showcase the efforts of schools to enhance meal quality and foster a culture of nutrition awareness among students and their families. Award recipients receive an awardee toolkit with promotional resources, na - tional and local recognition and media opportunities, and are eligible for compli- mentary registration and a travel stipend to attend the Fall 2025 Healthy Meals Summit. As of December 2024, more than 200 awards have been granted to SFAs across the country. If your school participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, you’re eligible to apply for up to eight awards recognizing your district’s achievements in student nu- trition. Remember, no change is too small to make a meaningful difference in the fu - ture of your students!
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Follow Action for Healthy Kids on Facebook , Instagram , X , or LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest news, award announcements, and resources from the HMI initiative. 3 Check out the Cafeteria Chronicles blog for inspiration from awardees nationwide.
Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative The Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Recognition Awards recognize and share best practices from school food authorities (SFA) who made operational changes to improve the nutritional quality of their school meals, as well as SFAs who engage students and families in nutrition education and in the planning and preparation of nutritious school meals.
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