Weslaco, TX-based non-profit charter school operator IDEA Public Schools announced on September 26th that the Permian Basin is among its regions that made it onto non-profit organization Alliance for a Healthier Generation's (AHG) 2023 list of "America's Healthiest Schools." IDEA attributed this achievement to its IDEA Farm program, which produces 120,000 pounds of produce on-site that is used in nutritious meals for students each day.
IDEA Public Schools emphasized the importance of promoting quality nutrition, regular physical activity, and strong wellness policies to secure a spot on AHG's list. The quartet of Permian Basin schools that made the cut includes IDEA Travis Academy, IDEA Travis College Preparatory School, IDEA Yukon Academy, and IDEA College Preparatory School. In total, Texas has seven regions represented on "America's Healthiest Schools."
Eva Rodriguez, IDEA's vice president of student health and wellness, highlighted the organization's dedication to prioritizing students' academic success as well as their physical and mental health needs. She stated, "This recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a testament to the amazing work happening on our campuses, and the success of our Healthy Kids Here program."
IDEA Public Schools utilizes nine metrics based on AHG's Thriving Schools Integrated Assessment to evaluate their progress towards becoming one of the healthiest school districts in the U.S. The Healthy Kids Here initiative was established in 2014 with the goal of achieving this status.