Tempe Elementary Nutrition Services Team Earns Three USDA Awards
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The Tempe Elementary Schools Nutrition Services team has received national recognition for its outstanding innovation and commitment to student health, earning three USDA Best Practice Awards for 2025.
The team received the following honors:
- Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award for incorporating new menu items prepared from scratch using local ingredients and engaging students in taste testing and feedback.
- Innovation in Nutrition Education Award for creative efforts that connect classroom learning with the cafeteria, home, and community.
- Lunch Trailblazer Award for improving the nutritional quality of school lunches while incorporating nutrition education and student involvement.
From hosting food shows where students taste-test new menu options, to organizing field trips where students create their own smoothies and pizzas for menu consideration, to using local ingredients for make from-scratch recipes, the Nutrition Services team has reimagined what school meals can be. Each initiative helps students build lifelong healthy habits and inspires curiosity about food and nutrition.
"We are proud to receive national and local recognition from The Healthy Meals Incentives for our innovative approach to school meals,” Director of Nutrition Services Janay Watts said. “Our focus on whole foods made from scratch and nutrition education reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with our students. For Tempe Elementary, providing meals from scratch isn't a checkbox for us; it's part of our culture to deliver high-quality food and service to ensure our students are well-prepared and ready to learn with healthy, delicious meals."
As one of only nine Arizona school districts awarded by the USDA this year, Tempe Elementary is proud of its Nutrition Services staff for setting a new standard in school nutrition and ensuring every student has access to meals that are not only nutritious but made with care and community in mind.
These recognitions reflect Tempe Elementary Schools’ commitment to strengthening specialized programs, as outlined in Goal 3.3 of the Strategic Plan.
About Tempe Elementary Nutrition Services
Tempe Elementary Nutrition Services is proud to support your child's education by offering nutritious and delicious meals to students each and every day. Breakfast and lunch menus are available on our website. Learn more about Nutrition Services.