HCPSS Receives A+ on 2017 School Food Environment Grades Report

May 17th, 2018

The Howard County Public School System received an “A+” and was one of only two Maryland school systems to earn an “A” on the 2017 School Food Environment Grades report from Healthy School Food Maryland.

The 2017 School Food Environment Grades is a report card on the state of school food in each Maryland public school district. Grades are calculated using a rubric of 12 items, which address parent and public health concerns related to school food and wellness.

HCPSS has added fresh fruit and salad bars in its schools and has taste-tested several healthy menu options with students. The school system continues to test and change its menus, and has seen an increase in student participation in school lunches.

District grades were informed through communication with food service employees and members of school health and wellness committees in every Maryland school district, information provided by parents, USDA census information, and other sources.

Healthy School Food Maryland is a coalition of organizations and individuals in Maryland working for whole, real, local and safe foods for children in Maryland school cafeterias.

The full grade report is available online. To learn more about HCPSS school meal programs and the school system’s commitment to student well being, visit http://www.hcpss.org/food-services.