Thirty-two schools across South Carolina have been named to the 2019 list of America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, receiving national recognition for their commitment to students’ health and well-being.
A total of 355 schools nationwide were selected based on a rigorous set of criteria—from availability of nutritious foods to access to quality physical education opportunities—as part of Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program. South Carolina tied with Missouri for the 4th highest number of award-winning schools, with 4 schools receiving the National Healthy Schools Silver Award and 28 receiving the National Healthy Schools Bronze Award.
“Achievement of this award demonstrates the commitment of these schools to promoting the well-being of students, staff, and families, as well as, their understanding of the importance of wellness to student and school success,” said, Beth Barry, Senior Program Manager, SC for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “The support of district and school administrators, school wellness leaders and teams, and community engagement are significant factors in becoming one of America’s Healthiest Schools.”
All of America’s Healthiest Schools have earned National Healthy Schools Awards, a prestigious achievement that celebrates schools that meet or exceed expert-recommended standards set by Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program for serving healthier meals and snacks, getting students moving more, offering high-quality health and physical education, and supporting staff wellness.
“We are thrilled to see another strong showing of dedicated schools that are taking steps to create healthier school environments that support children’s physical, social, and emotional health,” said Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “More than a decade ago, we sought to help schools create a culture of health that puts the well-being of youth and educators front and center. We are blown away by the number of schools, especially those serving youth from underserved communities, that doubled down on their commitment to health and academic success. This year’s list is a continued testament to the nationwide movement for improving the social, emotional and physical health of current and future generations.”
Any school can join Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program to access trainings, resources, and technical assistance by visiting HealthierGeneration.org.
To view the complete list of America’s Healthiest Schools, visit HealthiestSchools.org.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation believes every child deserves a healthy future. For over a decade, Healthier Generation has empowered kids to develop lifelong healthy habits by ensuring the environments that surround them provide and promote good health. Driven by our passion that all young people deserve a chance to live healthier lives, our work, in total, has reached up to 28 million kids across the country. To learn more and help make a difference, visit Healthier Generation.org and join us on Facebook and Twitter.