Students at Watertown Public Schools in Watertown, CT, enjoy taste testing events, a customizable salad bar, local ingredients, and educational opportunities in the district’s culinary garden as part of their school nutrition program. Over the past year, the district has shown how strategic initiatives can enhance school nutrition, student engagement, and educational opportunities.

With funding from USDA and Action for Healthy Kids’ Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Grant, the district implemented three key initiatives: hiring a Nutrition Education Coordinator, expanding the district’s culinary garden, and adding a full salad bar at the middle and high schools.

These efforts earned Watertown Public Schools two prestigious HMI Recognition Awards: the Innovative School Lunch Makeover Award and the Innovation in Nutrition Education Award, highlighting their dedication to fostering a healthy environment for students as well as celebrating their efforts to meet USDA’s updated nutrition standards.

Emily Doering, MS, RD, the district’s Food Service Director, notes that the initiatives funded by the HMI Grant have significantly benefited the district. Students are eager to line up for the new salad bars, which have made the cafeteria an engaging space where students can actively participate in their nutritional choices. The new Nutrition Education Coordinator has developed curricula, hosted taste testings, promoted new menu options, and engaged with the school community. The garden expansion has offered hands-on educational opportunities and supplied herbs for school meals.

Congratulations to Watertown Public Schools for their work to transform school meals!

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.

Stay tuned for more HMI Stories from school districts nationwide. Check out our YouTube channel for more inspiring school nutrition transformations!