Checkoff-founded GENYOUth teamed with the Dairy Council of Nevada, the NFL and other partners to increase access to and participation in healthy school meals by providing grants for Grab and Go school meal equipment packages, including milk coolers and mobile meal carts, for 73 high-need Nevada schools.
Before each Super Bowl, state and regional checkoff teams collaborate with GENYOUth and purpose-minded partners on GENYOUth’s community initiative to improve the student health and wellness experience, including increased dairy consumption. This year’s program, called Super School Meals, focused on Super Bowl host market Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.
The culmination of Super School Meals was celebrated during an event on Feb. 8 at West Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, where 150 students joined former NFL players, Clark County School District officials and various community leaders.
“Dairy farmers in Nevada and throughout the nation are committed year-round to the health and well-being of our nation’s children,” said Tammy Baker, general manager of the Dairy Council of Nevada. “We are proud to partner with GENYOUth and others on Super School Meals to grow school meal participation and to provide equitable access to nutritious dairy products.”
The effort is expected to benefit 40,000 students by increasing access to nearly 11 million school meals.
“One in five children in Nevada is food insecure, and over 30 million students nationwide rely on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition,” said GENYOUth CEO Ann Marie Krautheim, who is also a registered dietitian. “Often, school meals may be the only healthy nutrition a student receives on some days.
“Grab and Go meal equipment is critical to increasing meal access and participation, especially for school breakfast. Super School Meals is fostering nutrition security among Nevada youth. I am grateful to our committed partners for stepping up to help tackle youth food insecurity in Nevada.” GENYOUth, supported by several sponsors, continued its efforts to help end student hunger with the Taste of the NFL, the Super Bowl’s largest philanthropic event. Net proceeds from the Feb. 10 event will benefit schools in Nevada and the nation.