KUSD Wins Lunch Trailblazer Award

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS), in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), awarded Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) the Lunch Trailblazer Award. This award honors school districts that improve meal quality while promoting student engagement and meeting national nutrition goals.

KUSD earned the award by focusing on healthier school lunches with more fresh produce, clean protein sources, and reduced sodium content. The district also implemented limited-time offer (LTO) specials that introduce exciting, trendy dishes to students. These specials help build interest and encourage students to try new, nutritious foods.

The Lunch Trailblazer Award recognizes schools that meet weekly sodium guidelines and encourage student participation in nutrition programs. KUSD’s approach not only improves meal quality but also supports education on healthy eating habits.

As part of the award, KUSD received both national and local recognition, along with a travel stipend to attend the Healthy Meals Summit. This event allows winners to share their successful practices and learn from other trailblazing districts across the country.

“We congratulate Kenosha Unified on this important achievement,” said Executive Officer and President for Action for Healthy Kids Rob Bisceglie. “The HMI Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals.”

“The KUSD Food Service team works hard daily to ensure every child is fed nutritious meals,” said KUSD Director of Food Services Emily V. Riedler, MS, RD, CD. “Congratulations to KUSD Nutrition Coordinator Rhea Burks for her hard work in making these changes a reality!”

The Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, developed under a USDA cooperative agreement, aims to support schools in meeting the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Healthy school meals play a crucial role in children's physical health, development, and academic performance. USDA and AFHK continue to support schools like KUSD in creating better meal environments for students.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski