USDA Honors Oregon Summer Programs

February 9, 2011

The USDA has selected Centennial School District and Yamhill Carlton School District as winners of the 2010 Western Regional Office Summer Sunshine Awards.

The Summer Sunshine Awards recognize successful sponsors of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).  SFSP is funded by the USDA and ensures children who rely on free and reduced meals during the school year can access nutrious meals throughout the summer.  

The Summer Sunshine Awards celebrate the success of programs working on the front lines of the battle to end childhood hunger.  Through a competive nomination process that draws from 8 states, the USDA selects winners in the following categories:

  • Integrating Nutrition Education and Physical Activities at Sites
  • Improving Nutritional Quality of Meals, Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
  • Increasing Participation and Community Partnerships
  • Service in Distinctive or Rural/Underserved Communities

School Districts Share Top Award for Service in Distinctive or Rural/Underserved Communities.

PHFO nominated Centennial School District for their commitment to serve children at affordable housing complexes.  These complexes are often surrounded by busy streets, making walking to another local meal site unsafe.  Centennial has partnered with several housing organizations to ensure young residents of these complexes can access nutritious meals throughout the summer.  In 2010, Centennial served over 23,400 meals to kids in challenging to reach areas.

Yamhill Carlton School District delivers meals to several small communities.  The District employs youth workers and partners with several community organizations to create an inviting environment.  In 2010, Yamhill Carlton School District served over 4,300 meals to rural youth.

Read the full announcment by the USDA.

Honorable Mentions

Several Oregon programs received Honorable Mentions.

Integrating Nutrition Education and Physical Activities at Sites

  • Hermiston Parks and Recreation: For providing meals in places where children naturally congregate and working with partners to ensure that activities are offered before and after mealtime.

 

Improving Nutritional Quality of Meals, Increasing Fruits and Vegetables Consumption

  • Eugene School District 4J: For implementing a Harvest of the Week program and encouraging participants to eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Bethel School District: For developing an innovative and replicable Harvest of the Week program to encourage participants to eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Beaverton School District: For reaching more children this year by providing fun activities, serving fresh local food, selling meals to parents, and developing relationships with local farmers.
  • Siletz Valley School Summer Food Service Program: For providing children with healthy meals that included fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.

 

Service in Distinctive or Rural/Underserved Communities

 

Click here to learn more about becoming an SFSP sponsor in your community.