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Ohio County Schools took strides last school year to remove excess sugar from its breakfast and lunch offerings, and the efforts have earned the school district federal recognition.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids, has awarded Ohio County Schools the "Breakfast Trailblazer Award" for its work in lowering the amount of sugar served daily in its breakfast meals.
Beginning with the 2024 school year, the school district eliminated all flavored milk served at breakfast in the schools, and now only offers 1% and skim white milk products, explained Renee Griffin, child nutrition director for Ohio County Schools. Flavored milk still served at lunchtime, meanwhile, must be fat-free or skim milk. In addition, the school district now provides yogurts and cereals containing lower amounts of sugars.
"We are very excited to receive recognition for meeting the criteria for this award," Griffin said.
The changes in sugar content will continue with the coming year.
"I plan to meet student focus groups to get their input," Griffin said. "We try to allow students to have input. That's what we will be doing in the fall.
"Nothing planned as of right now as far as changes in guidelines. Last year, we had wanted to be proactive and do our best to reduce sugar in our meals."
Between 4,000 to 5,000 meals are served each school day in Ohio County, according to Griffin. The school district also provides dinner for afterschool programs at Wheeling Park High School, all middle schools in the county and Madison and Elm Grove elementaries.
Free breakfast and lunch for all students will again be offered during the 2025-26 school year, she added. But what happens beyond that is unclear.
"A lot is unknown," Griffin said. "I know we can offer free lunches and breakfasts this upcoming school year. We are taking it a day at a time, and we hope funding stays in place. I know our kids depend on this, and we hope it continues in years to come."