Public Domain Picture: 20130308-FNS-LSC-0077

Harmony Hills Elementary School 5th grade teacher Mr. Damien Grasso indicates on a map, where Dalry Primary School is, in North Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom, during the inaugural International School Meals Day at Harmony Hills Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD, on Friday, March 8, 2013. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Dr. Janey Thornton, school officials and students participated at this one of 14 national school sites, paired with 14 international school sites. Mr. Grasso's 5th grade class was paired with Mrs. Karen McAllister’s class at Dalry Primary School in North Ayershire, United Kingdom using a real-time online video connection. The children shared some of the healthy eating and physical activity choices available to them. The Dalry fitness program includes Zumba classes, and Harmony Hills includes a Fitness Club. Both schools have soccer programs. The Harmony Hills 5th grade students shared their thoughts about their healthy menu items, mango, kiwi, and hummus. The Dalry students honored the Maryland students, by having prepared a Southern Maryland dessert, Smith Island cake (made with 7 thin cake layers). Initially, 14 classrooms (grades 3-8) in the U.S. are now connected with 14 classrooms in Scotland, UK. USDA plans to expand the initiative to include partnerships with additional countries in future years. Harmony Hills participates in the Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA), In-Classroom breakfast program, the fresh fruit and vegetable program, and the summer food service program. USDA's Food and Nutrition Service oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs that work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. Learn more by visiting www.fns.usda.gov and twitter @USDANutrition. USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.

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Departmentofagriculture, Foodandnutritionservice, Md, Silverspring, Usa, Usda, Usdepartmentofagriculture

May 3, 2014