Long Branch Middle School (LBMS) became a model for schools throughout the state by being recognized for nutrition and physical activity initiatives.
During a March 1 special assembly, the school became the first in the state to receive the Healthier U.S. School Challenge Gold Award of Distinction sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS),
Superintendent Michael Salvatore explained some of the steps the district has taken to serve healthier lunches to students.
“It’s traditional food, but it’s just with healthier ingredients and different portion sizes,” he said in an interview following the assembly. “They are looking at a hamburger, and it may look the same way, but it’s actually 80 percent soy.
“It looks the same, but it just has healthier ingredients, and that’s the key to a nutritional program,” he added.
Salvatore said the challenge is to serve healthier foods that students will still want to eat.
“I learned a long time ago that sometimes you have to disguise the broccoli,” he said. “You have to give [students] things that are healthy for themand at the same time give them something they will enjoy eating.” According to the district’s website, the middle school lunch menu for March includes sandwiches on whole-wheat bread, vegetables including sautéed spinach, Italian green beans and steamed broccoli, and a daily garden bar that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
In a press release, N.J. Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher said that the school’s lunch menu and exercise program led to this award.
“Long Branch Middle School has not only incorporated more healthy foods into its meal menus, but worked hard to create dishes that the students also enjoy,” he said. “The school has made good nutrition and exercise priorities so students are equipped to do their best in school.”
Christine De-Witt Parker, coordinator for the school health unit of the New Jersey Department of Education, said the government has taken an active role in promoting good health for students.
“There has been a concerted local effort to increase awareness about the link between health and academic success,” she said. “Now more than ever, people recognize that schools play a critical role for the health and safety of young [people].
“It is very obvious that here at Long Branch Middle School they will teach you how to make healthy choices,” she added. “It is very difficult to get that award, so it is obvious you are a group of champions who collaborated on this effort.”
According to De-Witt Parker, 21 New Jersey schools have been honored for healthy initiatives, with LBMS being the only one to achieve the gold award for distinction.
During the assembly, the district was awarded a $2,000 check presented by representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Salvatore explained how the district plans to put the money to use.
“We are working on a program right now; it’s a fitness program coupled with literacy,” he said. “We are looking to purchase heart monitors and have an after- school program where we are increasing their heart rate and lowering it and teaching them about healthy living.
“That will be coupled with learning because there is a lot of research out there that states that when children are active and on a fitness program prior to reading or mathematics, their brains are more receptive to learning,” he added.
He also said the award might lead to more grant opportunities for the district.
Rose Tricario, director of the Division of Food and Nutrition of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, said if students take an early interest in their health, it would help them later in life.
“We are so incredibly proud that you are the very first school in the state of New Jersey with such an award,” she said. “We are so proud of the school for providing healthier food for you and for teaching about nutrition and physical fitness.
“These are great lessons that are going to last a lifetime,” she added. “By eating fruits and vegetables and whole grains, you are taking the right care of yourself and preparing yourself for your future as healthy adults.”
The school was also recognized with a joint resolution by the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, as well as a resolution from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented by Freeholder Director John Curley.
Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-11th District) said that the promotion of healthier living will help the middle school students continue the district’s reputation for producing winning athletes.
“There are 2,500 schools in New Jersey right now, and you are the first one to get this,” she said. “This is known as a place of outstanding scholars and outstanding athletics. “I’m thinking in four years those Long Branch High School sports will be even more spectacular with you all there,” she added. “We are just so proud of all the work that everyone put into this today.”
Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R- 11th District) agreed that the students would have advantages later in life.
“You are making good choices from the very beginning, and that’s what it’s all about,” she said. “Making good choices about the food you eat can translate into making good choices about other aspects of your life.”
James Harmon, director of special nutrition programs, FNS, said that gold status awards for distinction are rarely achieved.
“We wanted tomake it really hard and we did this on purpose,” he said. “There are schools across the country that are serving great nutritious food, but we wanted to recognize the best of the best.
“The award that you received, the Gold Award of Distinction, is just a testament to the food service operation,” he added.
The assembly also featured Salvatore reading a congratulatory letter from first lady Michelle Obama and multiple video clips promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The Healthier U.S. School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
According to the press release, the school increased offerings of dark green and orange vegetables, as well as whole grains, fresh fruits and salads.
To qualify for an award, a school must submit a formal application and meet basic criteria set forth by the FNS.
The HUSSC criteria reflect the recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the Institute of Medicine published recommendations (April 2007) for foods that should be served in schools, outside of the organized school lunch meals. Healthier US Schools must also have a local school wellness policy, as mandated by Congress.