The Texas Department of Agriculture is seeking student leaders passionate about healthy eating and Texas agriculture to become Health Ambassadors for the 2020-2021 school year!

About Health Ambassadors for a Ready Texas:

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) recognizes that student leaders have a powerful voice for improving health and wellness on school campuses. TDA developed Health Ambassadors for a Ready Texas (HART) to inspire and recognize exceptional Texas high school students as they champion healthy lifestyles for their peers. HART connects ambassadors and their school nutrition teams with resources and support for promoting healthy eating, Texas agriculture and school nutrition programs.

As a Health Ambassador, you will get to:

• Participate in activities that promote healthy eating and Texas agriculture among your peers
• Promote the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
• Provide state officials with feedback and recommendations for improving school nutrition programs
• Organize exciting events such as taste tests to sample local produce
• Join a network of Health Ambassadors across the state of Texas

To be eligible, you must:

• Currently be enrolled in the 9th, 10th or 11th grade
• Attend a Texas school that participates in the National School Lunch Program
• Have an email address to receive HART newsletters and program materials

If selected as a Health Ambassador, you are required to:

• Participate in activities promoting healthy eating and Texas agriculture
• Complete progress reports
• Attend statewide conference calls to share ideas and feedback to TDA
• Meet with your HART Advisor once per month to discuss and coordinate activities for upcoming school nutrition initiatives

Applications will be open throughout summer 2020.

HART Application:

Click here to access the 2020 – 2021 School Year HART Application

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

1. Name and contact information of your chosen HART advisor. Your HART advisor should be:

• A school staff member (teacher, guidance counselor, athletic coach, child nutrition staff, etc.) who is interested in promoting healthy eating
• Able to meet with you one hour per month to discuss and support your upcoming nutrition initiatives
• Willing to connect you with other school staff and the administration

2. Signed parent/guardian waiver form. Download and re-upload signed form into your application. 

3. Responses to the three (3) short essay questions below (each answer should be between 100 – 200 words)

• Please tell us a little about yourself and why you would make a great Health Ambassador.
• Tell us what you would do at your school as a Health Ambassador to promote healthy eating and Texas agriculture. Please give two examples.
• What challenges do you see in trying to promote healthy eating or reducing hunger among your classmates? What are your solutions to these challenges?

4. If applicable, any photos and/or supporting materials that showcase involvement within your school or community. For example, volunteer or after-school activities, sports team participation, etc.

Application Questions:

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

Health Ambassadors across Texas are implementing a variety of healthy living initiatives at their schools. Ambassadors are increasing awareness of healthy eating and nutrition programs among their peers and school communities. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) highlights projects that Health Ambassadors are completing around the state so other students and school staff can learn best practices to implement at their schools.