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HCPSS / NEWS

Middle School Students Can Be Whole Grain Heroes

November 11th, 2014

Howard County middle schoolers have an extra incentive to make healthy food choices this month. A Whole Grain Heroes education, inspiration, and incentive campaign, underway throughout November at all county middle schools, recognizes students who incorporate whole grain foods at lunchtime.

Each week throughout the campaign, Family and Consumer Sciences teachers are visiting the school cafeteria to “catch” students choosing to eat whole grain items for lunch.

Students who purchase the school lunch, as well as those who bring lunch from home, can become a Whole Grain Hero by identifying which whole grain item they are eating. All Whole Grain Heroes receive a sticker, have their name displayed on a giant poster, are entered into a weekly drawing for a colorful t-shirt, and receive other special school-wide recognition.

The campaign has drawn the support of local organizations that partner with HCPSS to promote student and staff well-being.

“Whole Grain Heroes is a great program to encourage middle school students to choose and understand healthier food options,” said Liz Clark, community health promotion director for Healthy Howard, Inc. “This initiative builds on the successful work of the Healthy Howard Healthy Schools program, and will advance the implementation of the nationally recognized wellness policy.”

“The Horizon Foundation applauds the Howard County Public School System for recognizing and rewarding students who choose healthier food options,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, President and CEO of the Horizon Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting health and wellness in Howard County. “By highlighting ‘Whole Grain Heroes’ in each school, HCPSS can help all students see the value in and importance of making healthier decisions.”

For more information, contact Laurie Collins, Instructional Facilitator for Family and Consumer Sciences and Career Research and Development, at (410) 313-7480 or laurie_collins@hcpss.org