Seventeen Aramark Student Nutrition partner school districts have been recognized with a total of 24 Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Recognition Awards, an achievement that underscores Aramark’s commitment to student health and well-being. The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards is a prestigious recognition from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that celebrates school food authorities (SFAs) for their leadership in exceeding USDA standards to improve the nutritional quality of school meals. These 24 awards reinforce Aramark’s nimbleness in meeting rigorous nutritional standards and the company’s deep engagement with school communities.
The awards are broken down into two series:
- Trailblazer Award Series: Recognizes School Food Authorities (SFAs) that are leading the way by aligning school menus with the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These efforts focus specifically on reducing sodium in school lunches and limiting added sugars in school breakfasts.
- Innovation Award Series: Celebrates SFAs implementing creative and non-traditional strategies to improve school meals. These initiatives include engaging students and families and offering nutritious options that go beyond current school nutritional standards.
“Aramark Student Nutrition continues to lead the way in compliance, innovation, and excellence in school meal programs,” said Barbara Flanagan, President and CEO of Aramark Student Nutrition. “These awards reinforce the value of Aramark’s support in helping districts deliver nutritious, appealing meals that power the potential in every student.”
Trailblazer Awards:
- Breakfast Trailblazer: Chicago Public Schools, Downingtown Area School District, Springfield (Missouri) Public Schools
Innovation Awards:
- Innovative School Lunch Makeover: Chicago Public Schools, Elyria City Schools
- Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals: Bentonville School District, Chandler Unified School District, Clint Independent School District, Elyria City Schools, Greater Clark County Schools, Lewisville Independent School District, North Shore Consortium Districts, Northwest Independent School District, Oswego Community Unit School District, Pflugerville Independent School District
- Innovation in Nutrition Education: Bentonville School District, Chandler Unified School District, Chicago Public Schools, Downingtown Area School District, Greater Clark County Schools, The Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, New Brunswick Public Schools, Scranton School District, Tulsa Public Schools
About Aramark Student Nutrition
Aramark Student Nutrition is at the forefront of powering student potential through exceptional food services in K-12 schools and school districts. With more than 60 years of industry experience and serving over 270 million meals annually to 1.5 million students nationwide, Student Nutrition fosters brighter futures through creative, diverse, and nutrition packed menus featuring fresh, local ingredients. Connect with Student Nutrition on LinkedIn to learn more.
