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IISD Brings Home the Gold: 
Food Service, T.J. Lee Elementary School
earn first “Gold School” designation in Texas

On Wednesday, September 5^th, the Food Service Department and T.J. Lee Elementary school were jointly awarded the nation’s highest school nutrition award, the Gold School designation, by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The HealthierUS School Challenge program, administered by the USDA, offers two levels of certification: silver and gold.  The silver level requires that school meals meet nutrition levels significantly higher than those served under regular school meal nutrition guidelines.  The gold level requires school meals that meet even higher standards.  In addition to serving extremely healthy school meals, schools must extensively document achievements and activities in nutrition education and physical activity. 

Based on the Gold School criteria, it could be said that Irving ISD elementary schools (the only schools eligible for certification under this program) serve some of the healthiest school meals in the state.  Good overall health comes from a combination of healthy eating habits, nutrition education, and physical activity.  As reflected by this award, Irving ISD has taken a leadership role in the state in ensuring the health of students.

In 2006-2007, the Food Service Department and T.J. Lee Elementary made Texas history by being the first in the state to earn the Silver School designation.

All elementary school lunches in Irving ISD currently meet the Gold School standard, and all elementary schools and the Food Service Department are jointly applying for certification under this USDA program.