Northwest Indiana schools win for summer meals nutrition

Two Northwest Indiana school districts received bronze in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2025 Turnip the Beet! Awards, which recognize strong summer meal programs. Valparaiso Community Schools and Merrillville Community School Corp. were honored for providing nutritious, appealing meals to children. The USDA program gives gold, silver and bronze awards to districts that go beyond basic requirements in their summer food services.