By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
Spartanburg School District 4 in Woodruff, South Carolina, has received national recognition for its outstanding efforts to improve school nutrition. The district was awarded the prestigious Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Grant, along with the Small and/or Rural Breakfast Trailblazer Award and the Small and/or Rural Lunch Trailblazer Award. These accolades celebrate the district’s commitment to providing students with healthier meal options while reducing sodium and added sugars in school meals.
In its efforts to enhance school nutrition, the district has implemented several innovative strategies to increase the availability of fresh, whole food choices. Daily meal options now include tossed salads, a wide variety of fresh vegetables and veggie dippers, and as many locally sourced fresh fruits as possible.
The HMI Grant has played a key role in supporting these changes by funding staff training, promoting student engagement through on-campus activities, and fostering partnerships with local vendors. One of the standout collaborations has been with local produce suppliers, helping to bring fresh, regionally grown foods to the lunch tables.
One notable menu offering featured muscadine-glazed roasted chicken made with muscadine grapes, that are native to South Carolina. This meal, paired with local collard greens, cornbread, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables, proved popular with students. Nearly 35% of students selected this nutritious local meal over the more traditional options of a taco or pizza bar, showcasing the growing appetite for fresh, wholesome meals.
The Small and/or Rural Trailblazer Awards are part of a larger initiative to fuel the future with nutritious and delicious school meals. As Spartanburg School District 4 continues to lead by example, their work demonstrates the powerful impact that well-balanced, nutritious meals can have on students’ overall health and well-being.
This information was sourced from the Action for Healthy Kids YouTube channel. For more details on Spartanburg School District 4’s school nutrition programs and to learn about applying for a Healthy Meals Incentives recognition award, visit healthymealsincentives.org. The next round of awards will be announced throughout the year, with applications open until June 30, 2025.
Author: Tracy Sanders
