FUSD praised by USDA for its healthy food

A top United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administrator visited Fontana High School on March 9 to highlight the "amazing" work Fontana Unified School District officials and staff are doing to make sure students have access to healthy food.

Kevin Concannon, the undersecretary of the USDA, toured the school’s kitchen and cafeteria along with USDA Food and Nutrition Service Western Regional Administrator Jesus Mendoza, Congressman Pete Aguilar, and elected officials from the FUSD and City of Fontana.

“I told the office staff in San Francisco, find me a school that is doing amazing work to feed students, and they found me Fontana High School. It is simply amazing how staff cares about students. The food program is unbelievable and I think other schools should follow their steps,” said Concannon. “We know there is a huge need out there and thanks to programs like these, that need is decreasing; however, we need to do more.”

According to FUSD’s data, the district serves about 11,000 breakfasts, 29,000 lunches, 2,000 snacks and 2,000 suppers daily.

At high schools, the district installed small cafes where students could receive snacks and suppers, which is a great idea, according to Concannon.

“Students are eating healthier than ever before; they have access to fruits and vegetables and healthy food so needed for their development," added Concannon.

As the nation celebrated School Breakfast Week, the USDA announced on March 7 that it will award $6.8 million in competitive Team Nutrition Training grants that will help schools like Fohi sustain their successful implementation of healthier meals.

Mendoza, who represents the Western Region, said that in areas like San Bernardino County, the need is higher compared to other areas and thus needs more economic support. The idea is to continue fighting obesity and continue offering nutritious meals to students in need.

“We know that a lot of students face food insecurity at home and that a lot of them go to sleep hungry. We are not only fighting obesity but we are also offering great meals. Some schools have salad bars. I mean, I did not have that when I was growing up. It is amazing,” said Mendoza.

According to district officials, Fohi's kitchen will receive a complete remodeling to better serve students.

Ofelia Hinojosa, the school’s principal, thanked USDA officials and shared her excitement about the remodeling.

“It is set to start this summer and it will take a year to complete. Once it is finished, it will be great,” said Hinojosa.

According to USDA, during the current administration participation in school breakfast programs has increased by 27 percent, meaning that more than 14 million students are now eating breakfast each day -- the most important meal of the day, Aguilar emphasized.

“Students nowadays are very fortunate. There is no comparison with the food I ate as student; today the food is amazing. There is so much thought put into it. We will continue fighting so that more students are fed each day. I understand that poverty is a huge issue in this region and that’s why we need to continue fighting together on behalf of kids,” said Aguilar. “We are very fortunate to have Mr. Concannon here so that he sees the great work we are doing and then relay that information. I’m confident that these programs will only get better."

With cheeseburgers at 387 calories each, Pepperoni calzonettes at 380 calories each and Chicken drumsticks at 190 calories per meal, students are well-fed at local schools, officials said, and breakfast menus are even healthier.

To apply for free or reduced meals online, go to www.fusd.net or visit the district office located at 9680 Citrus Avenue in Fontana. For more information, call (909) 357-7600.