Urban School Food Alliance Membership Welcomes Baltimore County Public Schools as Newest Member, Increasing Reach to 4.5 Million Students

USFA Expands Membership furthering vision of being the leading change agent for school nutrition

WASHINGTON, October 2, 2025 – The Urban School Food Alliance (USFA), a coalition of the nation’s largest school districts, proudly announced the addition of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) as its newest member. This addition brings an impressive 18.5 million meals served annually to the collective, strengthening USFA’s mission to transform school meals. BCPS becomes the third Maryland district to join The Alliance and marks the third new member district in 2025.

Since its founding in 2012 with six pioneering districts, the Urban School Food Alliance has grown to include 19 districts across the United States, working collaboratively to provide fresh, healthy, and delicious meals to students. Serving over 110,000 students across 169 schools, BCPS is Maryland’s third-largest school district. Its Department of Food and Nutrition Services delivers over 18 million meals annually, guided by a mission to provide nutritious and appetizing meals in a supportive, attractive, and cost-effective environment while promoting lifelong healthy eating habits.

“Baltimore County Public Schools is proud to stand alongside nutrition leaders from across the country,” said Jaime Hetzler, Director of Food and Nutrition at BCPS. “Our commitment to student health, increased access to fresh produce, and fostering lifelong healthy eating habits aligns closely with the Alliance’s mission. By collaborating with other large urban districts that share our values, we gain valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, elevate best practices, and collectively advocate for stronger nutrition policies nationwide. We are always eager to share our experiences and learn from others in pursuit of better outcomes for all students.”

Dr. Katie Wilson, Executive Director of the Urban School Food Alliance, expressed her enthusiasm for the new partnership. “We are thrilled to welcome Baltimore County Public Schools to the Urban School Food Alliance. Their dedication to increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables is foundational in encouraging healthy choices and nutrition education in children,” she said.

By leveraging its collective voice, USFA continues to transform school meals, ensuring students receive nutritious options that support their health and academic success. Each step forward makes the Alliance hungrier for progress, resulting in more smiling students in schools nationwide.

“Growing The Alliance is critical to furthering our vision of being the leading change agent for school nutrition,” Dr. Wilson added. “BCPS’s commitment to providing healthy school meals strengthens our collective impact, and we look forward to the innovative contributions they will bring to our shared mission.”

For more information about the Urban School Food Alliance, visit www.urbanschoolfoodalliance.org

Media Contact: Melissa Mayer, Urban School Food Alliance, [email protected]

To reach the  school district, email [email protected]

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