Public Domain Picture: 20130308-FNS-LSC-0121

Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNS) Deputy Under Secretary Dr. Janey Thornton helps serve mango and kiwi to students participating in the inaugural International School Meals Day at Harmony Hills Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD, on Friday, March 8, 2013. Mr. Damien Grasso's 5th grade class was paired with Mrs. Karen McAllister’s class at Dalry Primary School in North Ayrshire, United Kingdom using a real-time online video connection; the children are able to share some of the healthy eating and physical activity choices available to them. “This event helps underscore the importance of the HealthierUS School Challenge and some of the ways that children and communities can become involved with promoting nutrition,” said Dr. Thornton. “USDA believes that schools can take a leadership role in combating childhood obesity by incorporating healthier menus and introducing more physical activities during the school day. The strong foundation these schools have built supports a clear path for our nation's young people to win the future.' USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers several programs that provide healthy food to children including the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the Special Milk Program. Administered by State agencies, each of these programs helps fight hunger and obesity by reimbursing organizations such as schools, child care centers, and after-school programs for providing healthy meals to children. Learn more by visiting www.fns.usda.gov and twitter @USDANutrition. USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.

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Departmentofagriculture, Foodandnutritionservice, Md, Silverspring, Usa, Usda, Usdepartmentofagriculture

April 28, 2014