GOODING – Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna joined U.S. Department of Agriculture's Deputy Under Secretary Janey Thornton in Gooding today to honor Gooding Elementary School as the first school in the nation to receive the Gold of Distinction Award for improving student health, nutrition and physical fitness.

The Gold of Distinction Award is the highest achievement in the USDA's Healthier US School Challenge program.

In 2006, Gooding Elementary became the first school in the western United States to achieve the Gold-level Award.

To earn this award, Gooding Elementary met rigorous standards for nutrition and physical activity. It served nutritious meals every day that included a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, and low-fat and fat-free milk. Foods sold outside the cafeteria in vending machines, school stores and school fundraisers also had to meet strict health standards.

The school ensures students get at least 90 minutes of physical education each week and provides daily unstructured activities to provide additional opportunities for physical activity.