February 29, 2012 – The U.S Department of Agriculture has shared their top accomplishments for 2009-11. Here are highlights from the many accomplishments USDA mentions:

• Leading the effort to pass the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. This historic legislation will allow USDA, for the first time in 30 years, the chance to make real reforms to school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for nearly 32 million children who eat school lunch each day.
• Update school meal standards to increase fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and low-fat dairy while reducing fats, sodium and sugars.
• Utilize science-based standards for all foods and beverages sold on campus.
• Utilize performance-based funding increases for schools—the first real increase in 30 years.
• Provide training and technical assistance to help schools meet improved standards.
• Encourage more schools to promote healthy eating and exercise through the HealthierUS School Challenge, which has recognized over 2,100 schools.
• Provide intensive outreach and promotion efforts for the Summer Food Service Program, helping USDA reach over 173,000 more children with double-digit percentage increases in program sponsors and feeding sites between 2008 and 2010.

To learn more, read the USDA Food and Nutrition Accomplishments 2009-2011 in its entirety.