A National
Leader in School
Nutrition
By: Benjamin Rickert, Communications Department
According to the USDA, a Buncombe County School is one of the nation’s healthiest places to learn.
BCS is receiving attention at the highest levels for its commitment to providing students with high quality
food, excellent service, health education, and proper nutrition. This fall, the system’s School Nutrition
Department led the charge in earning 42 awards of excellence — one for every school — from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Only 91 such awards were given nationwide this year.
“It is a great honor and privilege to serve the students of Buncombe County Schools,” said Lisa C. Payne,
Child Nutrition director. “Our School Nutrition Professionals continue to impress me daily, as they work
diligently to ensure that our students are fed nutritious and palatable meals.”
In September 2017, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) informed Ms. Payne that every BCS
school will be recognized through the HealthierUS School Challenge: Smarter Lunchroom awards program.
Of the nearly 100,000 public schools nationwide, these local schools in Buncombe County join the 2,983
lauded by the USDA program since 2004. Furthermore, as of Sept. 28, 2017, only 31 schools nationwide had
ever received a Gold Award of Distinction. That same fall, BCS received 8.
Through the Smarter Lunchroom challenge, the USDA recognizes schools that go above and beyond federal
requirements to create nutritious environments for students. According to the USDA, schools are commended for
“their efforts in improving food and beverage
offerings, teaching kids about nutritious food
choices and being physically active, providing
opportunities for physical activity, and having
supportive school wellness policies.” The
program is about supporting schools as they
guide students toward smarter choices.
“We have long known the connection between
a healthy lifestyle and academic success,” said
superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin. “I am proud
to work among such committed educators and
staff in the School Nutrition Department; their
recognition is well deserved.”
Students at Valley Springs Middle enjoy a nutritious lunch
from their school’s salad bar.
“Buncombe County strives to be a leader
in the nation by creating healthier school
environments through promotion of smarter
lunchrooms, nutrition, and physical activity,”
Payne said.
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