Heard-Mixon Elementary School was one of three schools in the state that won the Raise the [Salad] Bar contest; however, they were forced to decline the grant due to costs.

Sponsored by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle's Healthy Kids Georgia initiative, Georgia 4-H and Dole Food Company, the contest was part of a plan to offer healthier lunch options to Georgia students, especially since childhood obesity is reaching epidemic levels in the state. The prize was a free salad bar (including delivery and installation) for the cafeteria that was to be used by both students and faculty.

However, according to Newton County School System Director of Public Relations Sherri Davis-Viniard, "The salad bar grant opportunity was declined due to indirect costs relative to food and labor."