On November 26, an assembly was held at Boothbay Region Elementary School to recognize the cafeteria staff and Darlene French, the school's nutrition director.

For two years in a row the Boothbay Region School Food Service Program has been a Bronze Award recipient from the United States Department of Agriculture's “Healthier U.S. Challenge.” The challenge recognizes schools that go above and beyond the requirements for school lunches and breakfasts, providing a variety of vegetables, fruit and whole grain options for kids.

The criteria for winning also include creating a healthy atmosphere with focus on both teaching nutrition and promoting physical activity.

The B.R.E.S. Lady Dribblers basketball squad kicked off the assembly, wowing the crowd with their dribbling prowess. At the conclusion of the assembly, every child in the school received a free water bottle to promote healthy choices.

The bottles were purchased using monies raised through the fundraising efforts of the cafeteria staff.

This assembly also recognized the efforts of French. This fall, French and her staff provided a supper offering our community an opportunity to sample a snapshot of the healthy food choices offered to students on a daily basis.

All foods were purchased locally and the food was purchased using a grant that French received from the Harvard-Pilgrim group.