SAD 4 schools join Healthier US Schools

    GUILFORD — Piscataquis Community Elementary School and Piscataquis Community Secondary School in SAD 4 will receive Bronze Awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of its Healthier US School Challenge. The schools join the ranks of an elite group recognized for health, nutrition and fitness excellence.

    Only 3 percent of schools nationally have achieved Healthier US School status at the Bronze, Silver or Gold Distinction levels. PCSS is the first high school in Maine to receive the Healthier US School Challenge award.

    The Challenge is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation. Schools participating in the Challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food they serve at their schools, agree to provide nutrition education and provide opportunities for physical activity. Challenge certification also includes monetary incentives for use by school food services — $2,000 for Gold Award of Distinction, $1,500 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze.

    Maine Department of education officials will be on campus to present the awards on Friday, Jan. 25. More information about the Healthier US School Challenge can be found at http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov/Healthier US/index.html.