What does it take to become a model of health and wellness in a rural school?
For 21 schools across the 17-parish region served by EatMoveGrow, the answer lies in committed leadership, community-driven action, and a shared belief that every child—no matter their ZIP code—deserves a healthy start.

These outstanding schools earned Gold Medal School Award Status for the 2024–2025 school year by completing every requirement of the EatMoveGrow School Wellness Scorecard, a tool designed to help schools implement evidence-based strategies that improve health outcomes. Their achievements were recognized at the annual EatMoveGrow Teacher Summit, where they were honored for creating healthier school environments through policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change—hallmarks of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.

Supporting Wellness with Real Investment

EatMoveGrow is proud to back up our schools' hard work with more than just praise—we provide real dollars to support their continued efforts. This year, EMG awarded $45,600 in direct funding to schools for completing their wellness contract activities. These awards help schools grow gardens, host physical activity events, build wellness programs, and sustain momentum long after lessons are done.

In the past two years alone, during this current three-year HRSA grant period, EMG has invested a total of $94,000 directly into rural schools through School Wellness Contracts—putting resources where they’re needed most: on the ground, in the classroom, and around the playground.

A Proven, Rural-Focused Model for Change

EatMoveGrow’s model isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a boots-on-the-ground, data-driven approach that embeds Health Educators into partner schools, builds local capacity, and supports long-term change. This work is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the Delta States Rural Development Network Grant.

Key strategies of the EMG model include:

• Formation of School Wellness Committees (SWCs)
• Completion of the CDC’s School Health Index
• Customized Action Plans for each school
• Monthly classroom instruction on healthy eating, physical activity, and social-emotional wellness
• Measurable improvements in student knowledge, behavior, and BMI

In 2024–25 alone:

• 89% of EMG schools made documented health improvements through active SWCs
• 1,929 hours of technical assistance were provided to educators and administrators
• Over 1,987 classroom lessons were delivered
• 43% of participating students experienced positive BMI change

Meet the 2024–25 Gold Medal Schools

Acadia Parish

• Churchpoint Elementary
• Iota Elementary
• South Crowley Elementary
• Evangeline Elementary

Allen Parish

• Oakdale Elementary
• Oberlin Elementary

Avoyelles Parish

• Riverside Elementary

Catahoula Parish

• Harrisonburg Elementary
• Jonesville Elementary

Concordia Parish

• Concordia Parish MST
• Monterey High School
• Vidalia Upper Elementary

Evangeline Parish

• James Stephens Montessori

Lafourche Parish

• Golden Meadow Lower Elementary

Pointe Coupee Parish

• Catholic of Pointe Coupee
• Rosenwald Elementary
• Upper Pointe Coupee Elementary

St. Landry Parish

• Krotz Springs Elementary
• Park Vista Elementary
• Port Barre Elementary

St. Mary Parish

• Hattie A. Watts Elementary

Why It Matters

Research confirms what we see every day in our schools:

• Healthy kids learn better
• Wellness efforts reduce chronic disease risk
• Local ownership drives sustainable change

According to the CDC, schools with active wellness teams are three times more likely to implement lasting nutrition and physical activity policies. EMG’s approach makes that possible in even the most rural, under-resourced communities.

“We don’t wait for kids to get sick. We go where they are.” – EatMoveGrow Impact Statement

Help Us Celebrate

To all the educators, administrators, and school communities who earned Gold School Award Status—congratulations! You are setting the gold standard for rural school wellness.

Follow us on  Instagram and  Facebook to see spotlights from the Teacher Summit and success stories from the field.

EatMoveGrow is funded by HRSA and led by The Health Enrichment Network, serving rural Louisiana schools through an evidence-based model focused on improving childhood health through education, physical activity, and community partnerships.