MCPS Joins Urban School Food Alliance: A Game-Changer for Healthy School Meals in Maryland

The Urban School Food Alliance (USFA) has welcomed Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) as its newest member. This makes MCPS the second school district from Maryland to join the alliance.

MCPS is the largest district in Maryland, serving around 160,000 students across 211 schools. The Department of Food and Nutrition Services at MCPS provides over 18 million meals each year, focusing on the diverse needs of its community. They offer innovative meal programs designed to be inclusive and respectful of all students.

Dr. Katie Wilson, the Executive Director of USFA, expressed her excitement about the partnership. “MCPS’s commitment to nutritious, appealing meals aligns perfectly with our goals,” she said. “Their innovative approach to nutrition reflects our mission to empower school districts. Adding MCPS as our 20th member strengthens our efforts to improve school nutrition standards across the country.”

Elizabeth Leach, Director of the Department of Food & Nutrition Services at MCPS, shared her enthusiasm about joining the USFA. “We are excited to connect with nutrition leaders nationwide, learn from their experiences, and share our initiatives,” she noted.

Founded in 2012, the USFA is a nonprofit organization that includes 20 districts serving 4.5 million students every day in over 6,500 schools. With a combined purchasing power of more than $1 billion, USFA members work together to bring positive change to child nutrition through strategic buying and strong advocacy.

The inclusion of MCPS represents more than just an expansion; it signifies a shared mission to enhance school nutrition. As Dr. Wilson pointed out, “This partnership empowers us to make meaningful, cost-effective changes and fosters collaboration across districts.”

Recent surveys show that access to nutritious meals in schools is crucial for academic success. Studies indicate that students who receive healthy meals are more focused, perform better in subjects like math and science, and have improved social skills. This emphasizes the importance of initiatives taken by groups like the USFA and school districts like MCPS.

By joining forces, USFA and MCPS are not just sharing resources—they are setting the stage for a revolution in child nutrition nationwide. Together, they aim to ensure that every student has access to high-quality meals, laying a strong foundation for their future.



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