Health Ambassadors for a Ready Texas
Health Ambassadors for a Ready Texas (HART)

Cultivate Healthier School Environments
  

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) recognizes that student leaders have a powerful voice for improving health and wellness on school campuses across the Lone Star State - that's why TDA developed the Health Ambassadors for a Ready Texas (HART) program.
 

HART aims to inspire and recognize exceptional Texas high school students as they champion healthy choices. As a HART ambassador you'll work with your school's nutrition team to promote school lunches, healthy eating and the importance of Texas agriculture and locally grown food to your classmates and peers.


Who Should Apply to Participate in the HART Program?

HART encourages students who are passionate about making a difference at their school to apply. Hundreds of students in Texas have completed the program and walked away with an impressive leadership, teamwork, and event coordination experience to add to their college applications, as well as a wealth of new knowledge about agriculture, nutrition, and health. Before you apply, make sure you meet the requirements below:
 
  • Currently be enrolled in a Texas high school in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
  • Attend a Texas school that participates in the National School Lunch Program. If you are unsure, you can search for your district's name here
  • Have an email address to receive HART newsletters and program materials.
  • Application for the 2023-2024 school year is still open through the summer.


HART Application Instructions  Minimize 

 

Applications Open in April 2024
 

To complete the HART application, you will need the following information:      

HART Application

Application Questions:

Please contact the HART team at HART@TexasAgriculture.gov or by phone at (877) TEX-MEAL.

 


Use This Map to See Hart Schools for 2023-2024  Minimize 



Rave Reviews from Hart Participants   

HART Quotes





Join HART and You'll Get to ...   
kids photo
  • Participate in one HART challenge a semester.kids photo Kids Photo
  • Organize exciting events such as taste tests to sample local produce.
  • Connect with other Health Ambassadors across the state of Texas.
  • Promote the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
  • Gather feedback on how to improve school nutrition programs.
  • Work hand-in-hand with school leadership.

HART Student Requirements
  • Participate in activities promoting healthy eating and Texas agriculture at your school.
  • Complete two progress reports.
  • Meet with your HART advisor once a month to discuss and coordinate activities for upcoming school nutrition initiatives.
  • Attend statewide conference calls to share ideas and feedback to TDA.


Information for School Staff  Maximize 

Assistance available in English and Spanish. Please call 877-TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325) for help. Additional translations services available as well.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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