The Healthier Montana Menu Challenge Recognizing Exceptional School Meal Programs
The Montana Team Nutrition Program invites all Montana schools to apply for a Healthier Montana Menu Challenge Award and will assist schools in the application process. Be a Healthy School Champion!
What is it?
Recognizes schools serving healthy school meals that are consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA’s MyPyramid.
A menu-based award program that meets nutrition criteria for breakfast, lunch and a la carte offerings.
Allows more Montana children the opportunity to enjoy whole grain foods, whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and low-fat entrees through school meals.
An ideal way to implement the wellness policy in the school nutrition program.
Supports youth in fueling healthy bodies and smart minds.
Recognition: Receive a Healthier Montana Menu Challenge certificate; award-winning schools will be listed on the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s Web site.
Media Coverage: Receive local and statewide media coverage announcing your school’s award.
Sense of Pride: Recognize the fact that your school is providing the healthiest food possible while teaching children lifelong healthy eating habits.
Achievement: Join an elite group of other school nutrition professionals who excel in healthy menu planning.
The menu criteria are based on the USDA MyPyramid and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as well as these guiding principles1:
The present and future health and well-being of school-age children are profoundly affected by dietary intake and the maintenance of a healthy weight.
Schools contribute to current and lifelong health and dietary patterns and are uniquely positioned to model and reinforce healthful eating behaviors in partnership with parents, teachers and the broader community.
1Nutrition Standards for Schools: Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth Report, April 2007, Institute of Medicine
Menu Worksheets:
Complete a work sheet for each meal component in which you are applying for:
How to Complete and Submit an Application:
The application consists of four sections: 1) a check-off page indicating required items, 2) an informational cover page, 3) the Review Panel Form, and 4) the applicable menu work sheet(s). Please ensure all items listed on the check-off page are included in your application packet. Include the menu and the menu work sheet for each meal component in which you are applying for: breakfast, lunch or a la carte. Verification of schools meeting the School Meals Initiative (SMI) nutrient standards will be based upon the most recent SMI review conducted by the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
Mail the completed application to:
Montana Team Nutrition Program
PO Box 173360, 202 Romney Gym
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717-3360
Upon receipt of the application, Montana Team Nutrition and/or Montana Office of Public Instruction staff will review it. Please allow four-six weeks for review and award notification. Montana Team Nutrition will contact the school for clarification if needed.
Application Requirements 1. Schools apply as individual school sites and must meet the specified menu criteria for breakfast and lunch meals and for a la carte food items (if applicable).
2. Schools can apply for all three components (breakfast, lunch, and a la carte) or for any one of the three.
3. Schools must involve the school’s wellness committee or organize a review panel or group including, at minimum, a school administrator, a school nutrition program manager and a member of the parent teacher organization. The review panel will sign off on the application.
4. Once awarded, the Healthier Montana Menu Challenge Recognition is for a two-year time period. The award is for the current school year (the year of approval) plus the following two school years. Schools are encouraged to continue their commitment and reapply at the end of their award period.
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Healthier MT Menu Challenge 
, April 2007, Institute of Medicine 
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