Texas Agriculture Commissioner Lauds Irving ISD for Nutrition Efforts

Irving ISD received high praise from the state’s top agriculture official during a ceremony on March 7th to commemorate the USDA Team Nutrition Silver School Award won by T.J. Lee Elementary School and IISD Food Service.

Todd Staples, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, congratulated T.J. Lee for becoming the first school in Texas to receive this designation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its HealthierUS Schools Challenge program.

To receive the award, T.J. Lee and Food Service submitted more than 50 pages of information in support of the school’s commitment to healthy students and nutritious meals. The award is based on three criteria:

T.J. Lee and Food Service are currently working on an application for the higher-level Gold School designation.

Also on hand was Steve Savage, USDA Food & Nutrition Service communications and government affairs director, who is based in Washington, D.C. Savage presented the award to T.J. Lee Principal Maria Elena Coronado and Michael Rosenberger, director of food service for IISD.

The program also included several nutrition-themed musical skits performed by T.J. Lee students.

Other attendees included USDA Southwest Region administrator Bill Ludwig, Superintendent Jack Singley, Board of Trustees President Randy Stipes, other members of the Board of Trustees, and Chris Wallace, president and CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.

Contacts:

Michael Rosenberger
Director of Food Service
972-273-6900

Jesus Garcia
USDA Food & Nutrition Service Office
214-290-9940

Tony Thetford
Director of Public Information
972-215-5200

Students at T.J. Lee Elementary School helped celebrate the USDA Team Nutrition Silver School Award won by T.J. Lee and Irving ISD Food Service. Also pictured, back row, from left, are: Bill Ludwig, USDA Southwest Region administrator; Steve Savage, USDA Food & Nutrition Service communications and government affairs director; Michael Rosenberger, director of food service; Maria Elena Coronado, T.J. Lee principal; and Todd Staples, commissioner of Texas Department of Agriculture.