Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, October 21, 2011

Child Nutrition coordinator Marty Flynn checked out the huge display made of hundreds of faux apples recycled from decorations at a State Dinner. The South Lawn guests were encouraged to put notes on top of it with creative ideas for boosting healthier environments in schools. (Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Coker)

The Child Nutrition Office of Fayette County Public Schools was among those invited to this week’s White House reception celebrating the resurgence of the HealthierUS School Challenge. Director Michelle Coker and coordinator Marty Flynn attended the South Lawn event, hosted Monday by first lady Michelle Obama.

“We were greatly honored to be able to represent FCPS at the White House, and we are excited to be part of the first lady’s Let’s Move! campaign. What a great benefit this has been for our kids!” Coker said.

A voluntary initiative established in 2004, the Challenge recognizes participants in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier environments by promoting nutrition and physical activity.

All elementaries in FCPS have met the “gold standard” menu criteria since the spring of 2008.  Schools that had meal participation greater that 70 percent were recognized at the gold level and those below 70 percent participation were noted as bronze.  

The Challenge is a cornerstone of the first lady’s Let’s Move campaign, which urges the nation to raise a healthier generation of children. Obama’s goal to double the number of enrolled schools within a year has already been surpassed; now more than 1,600 schools nationwide are certified in the U.S. Department of Agriculture program.

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