Vienna High School recognized for healthier lunch program

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) – Vienna High School has been nationally recognized for its efforts to improve school lunch nutrition, earning the Small and/or Rural Lunch Trailblazer Award from the USDA Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) grant program.

The award honors the school’s commitment to enhancing meal quality, including a shift away from highly processed meats in favor of lower-sodium, fresh options such as ground beef, pork and turkey. Recent menu items like pork chops, beef tacos and fresh turkey were highlighted by HMI, along with an emphasis on fresh vegetables such as raw broccoli, baby carrots and green beans.

“Our goal is to provide meals that are both nutritious and appealing to students,” said Charlotte Dixon, food service director at Vienna High School. “By working with local farmers through our food distributor, we’re able to bring in fresh fruits and vegetables that make a real difference and help connect our students to the community around them.”

As part of the initiative, the school received $107,000 over three years to improve nutritional outcomes, according to Phillip Hosfeldt, dean of system programs. He also credited data analyst Julie Parr for her contributions to the program.

The school’s changes have resulted in an estimated sodium reduction of 150 to 200 milligrams per meal, depending on the menu. HMI noted that Vienna’s approach aligns with USDA sodium targets and promotes healthier eating habits.

“Approximately 30 million children receive school meals funded by the USDA,” said James Miller, administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition Services. “School nutrition professionals across the country go above and beyond to ensure children receive nutritious meals and snacks to support their growth and development. Vienna High School’s nutrition team’s hard work and innovative practices are paving the way for other districts to advance their school meal programs.”