As a part of their joint commitment to advancing children’s nutrition and food access with the “Nourishing Families by Nourishing Schools” program, Del Monte Foods and Alliance for a Healthier Generation joined Field Elementary School in San Diego on April 18 to celebrate its recognition as one of America’s Healthiest Schools in the Food and Nutrition Access category. The celebration took place during the school’s Family Friday assembly, where attendees joined in a cooking demonstration with Del Monte® canned fruit, showcasing how healthier food options can still be affordable.
America’s Healthiest Schools recognizes schools across the country for their achievements in advancing the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, staff, and families. Del Monte Foods proudly sponsors the Improving Nutrition & Food Access topic area, aligning with its commitment as Growers of Good® to advance the health of youth and communities nationwide.
During the celebration, Healthier Generation and Del Monte Foods congratulated the school for their outstanding accomplishment and prepared a family-friendly snack, demonstrating how Del Monte® canned fruit can be used to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals at home. Each family also received nutrition resources and recipe cards, available in English and Spanish, and samples of Del Monte® canned products to take home.
“Children learn best when their health and nutrition needs are taken care of,” said Kathy Higgins, CEO of Healthier Generation. “In partnership with Del Monte Foods, we’re ensuring children get the nourishment they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”
Through the partnership with Healthier Generation, Del Monte Foods has reached 11.4 million children and families at over 13,000 schools with tools to make nutritious meals at home. Last year, Del Monte Foods and Healthier Generation hosted a student taste test with an elementary school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where students got to try a new, healthy recipe featuring Del Monte® canned sliced pears and share their feedback.
“Del Monte Foods is proud to support school-based nutrition programs to improve children’s health and academic performance,” said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods. “Field Elementary shines as a great example of a school that’s offering nutritious options that help students thrive, both academically and physically. We’re thrilled to celebrate their success in providing the resources kids need to succeed.”
This event also served as a celebration for the hundreds of schools across the country who applied for America’s Healthiest Schools 2025, which closed applications on April 15. This year’s awardees will be announced this fall.
