As we gear up for the new school year, we’re excited to announce an upcoming series of stories that shine a spotlight on school districts across the nation that are transforming school meals. Each week we will feature the story of a district that has received a Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Grant, with some having also gone on to earn an HMI Recognition Award.

The HMI Recognition Awards honor school districts that are making significant strides in school nutrition. These awards recognize the innovative approaches and collaborative efforts of school nutrition professionals who are dedicated to improving school meals. The awards also celebrate school districts that are working to meet USDA’s updated school nutrition standards. These standards ensure that school meals are not only nutritious but also delicious, offering more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while reducing added sugars and sodium.

To kick off this series, we’re thrilled to share a sneak peek of some of the inspiring stories that will be featured in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, where we will dive deeper into the unique and innovative programs of each featured school district. Together, we’re building a foundation for a brighter, healthier future for students nationwide.

If your district is making great strides in school nutrition, we encourage you to apply for a Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award. This is your chance to gain national recognition for your efforts and join a community of like-minded professionals who are passionate about student health and wellness.

For more information on the Recognition Awards and how to apply, visit the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2025. Apply by August 30, 2024 to earn an exclusive invitation to the Fall 2024 Healthy Meals Summit in Last Vegas, NV.

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for more inspiring stories!