BOISE -- Public schools in the small Idaho farming town of Gooding were among those first lady Michelle Obama mentioned this week as she praised efforts to improve the health, nutrition and fitness of students.
Mrs. Obama drew attention to the Gooding School District's use of fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers, among other healthy initiatives, during her address to the School Nutrition Association on Monday.
The organization is a partner in the first lady's new campaign to tackle the problem of childhood obesity.
Gooding Elementary last year became the first school in the nation to earn the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthier School Challenge Gold of Distinction Award.
Deputy undersecretary Janey Thornton, who traveled to Idaho for the ceremony in November, said the award was the agency's highest honor for elementary schools.
