CUSD Wins Two Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards

October 7, 2025

Chandler, AZ — Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) received two Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards for improving the nutritional quality of school meals. Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), CUSD received the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award and Innovation in Nutrition Education Award. These awards reflect the innovative efforts in nutrition education and school meal preparation—thanks to the dedication of our incredible staff who brought engaging student-led videos, scratch-made meals, and interactive cafeteria experiences to life.

“We’re incredibly proud of our team. Their creativity, passion, and commitment to student wellness show in everything they do”, said Stephanie Howell, Director of CUSD Food and Nutrition. “From creating fun, nutritious meals to building meaningful connections with students and families. They truly make healthy eating something our students enjoy and look forward to.”

Healthy school meals are an essential part of the school environment and a proven tool for improving a child’s health, growth, development, and educational outcomes. AFHK and USDA are committed to working together to strengthen school meals and investment in a bright future for our children. The HMI Recognition Awards are open to all school districts, and more information can be found at www.healthymealsincentives.org/recognition-awards/.

About USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of 16 nutrition assistance programs. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.

About Action for Healthy Kids

Action for Healthy Kids is dedicated to improving children’s health and well-being by bringing together and mobilizing educators, families, and other key stakeholders to help children lead healthy lives. Through its core programming and family-school partnerships, Action for Healthy Kids has impacted more than 20 million children in 55,000 schools nationwide to address systemic challenges in underserved communities. In 2023, AFHK joined in a cooperative agreement with USDA Food and Nutrition to help implement the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, designed to improve the nutritional quality of school meals through food systems transformation, school food authority recognition, and technical assistance. To learn more about its growing network of volunteers and champions, visit: actionforhealthykids.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lexie Bloyder

bloyder.lexie@cusd80.com

(480)812-7254