Tennessee School Wins National Award for Fighting Obesity

Nashville, TN – Capshaw Elementary School is one of just 22 schools in the nation to receive the USDA’s Gold Award for taking the lead in the war on childhood obesity. The Gold Award is the USDA’s highest honor in the area of school nutrition, recognizing actions to offer nutritious food and physical activity, and teach students to make healthy decisions.

“Putnam County’s food service supervisor and the school principal have worked diligently for two years to achieve this exemplary status and I am pleased their efforts are being recognized,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “Establishing a healthy lifestyle early increases the likelihood of maintaining good habits as adults. Tennessee schools embrace being a partner in this effort through quality school nutrition programs and coordinated school health partnerships.”

“Childhood obesity is a serious threat to the well-being of an entire generation, but it is also 100 percent preventable,” School Nutrition Director Sarah White said. “Capshaw Elementary has taken steps we would encourage of all schools: teach students what foods to eat, dedicate time for exercise and make healthy living the school culture.”

USDA Food Nutrition Services Administrator Roberto Salazar presented Capshaw Elementary with the award in a ceremony today. The Gold Award is part of the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge program that emphasizes the quality of food served, addressing obesity and encouraging other schools to follow suit.

The emphasis on healthy lifestyles in schools reinforces Governor Bredesen’s other health initiatives which include CoverKids, free health care coverage for youth up to age 18; Project Diabetes and the Get Fit TN campaign.

Capshaw Elementary in Cookeville serves approximately 600 students in grades K-4. Putnam County Food Service Supervisor Karen Dalton and Capshaw Elementary principal Kim Wright worked for two years to meet the requirements to earn the USDA’s Gold Award.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.