50
Districts recognized
64
Awards granted
Mar–May 2024
Award period

CHICAGO, June 24, 2024 — Action for Healthy Kids and USDA's Food and Nutrition Service today announced that 50 school districts received 64 Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Recognition Awards across March, April, and May 2024 for measurable nutritional improvements to their school meal programs.

The Recognition Awards Program celebrates School Food Authorities making operational, planning, and preparation changes that improve meal nutrition — and those engaging students and families in nutrition education. Details and a map of recipients are available on the Awardee Spotlight page.

Small and/or Rural SFA Breakfast Trailblazer

Lunch Trailblazer

Small and/or Rural SFA Lunch Trailblazer

Innovative School Lunch Makeover

Innovation in the Cultural Diversity of School Meals

Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals

Innovation in Nutrition Education

"Unprecedented" progress in small and rural districts "The progress being made in small and/or rural school districts is unprecedented, and we needed a national Recognition Awards program to match that level of commitment," said Rob Bisceglie, Executive Officer and President of Action for Healthy Kids. "We are happy to celebrate the staff who dedicate their days to preparing fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals for their students."

"The Recognition Awards highlight the progress our schools are making in improving the quality of school breakfast and lunch," said Cindy Long, Administrator of USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. "We're seeing incredible efforts and innovative accomplishments by school nutrition professionals, as they provide their students with healthy, nutritious meals."

How to apply

The Recognition Awards application is available on the HMI website. Districts participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Ready to apply?

Start with the criteria document for your award category. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Read the guide

About the partners

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through 16 nutrition assistance programs, including the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC, and SNAP.

Action for Healthy Kids is a national nonprofit focused on improving children's health and well-being. The organization has reached more than 20 million children across 55,000 schools nationwide.