The U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), developed the Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Initiative. This HMI Initiative recognizes School Food Authorities (SFA) that have made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their school meals including innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and successful strategies to provide meals that are consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
SFAs participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program are encouraged to apply. For additional information regarding the HMI Recognition Awards visit the AFHK web page .
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2025.
Letter of Support
Before completing an application, SFAs are required to obtain confirmation, in the form of a Letter of Support, from the California Department of Education that the SFA does not have any outstanding corrective actions and that any previous findings have been resolved. If you would like to request a Letter of Support, please email HMILetterOfSupport@cde.ca.gov.
Contact Information
If you have any questions related to the recognition awards, please email awards@healthymealsincentives.org