Schools: A Foundation for Youth Health and Wellbeing
Fortunately, schools play a vital role in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals. Across the country, 30 million students rely on school meals to meet much of their daily nutritional needs. For many, it’s the most consistent and reli- able source of food they have. Yet, only about half of eligible students participate in school breakfast programs – often due to issues like scheduling conflicts, logistical barriers, and social stigma. Alternative Models Increase Access to School Meals Whether Grab and Go, Breakfast in the Classroom, or Second Chance Breakfast, a variety of innovative solutions are avail - able to schools. Backed by the support of dedicated partners including our co-founders, America’s dairy farmers and the NFL, GENYOUth provides value to school nutrition programs by donating essential equipment and resources proven to in- crease access to school meals by up to 57 percent, while also creating opportunities for physical activity. Delivering critical nutrients like milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, our equipment including mobile meal carts, milk coolers, and smoothie cart kits succeeds by meeting students where they are – whether in the hallway, classroom, or caf - eteria – and fueling them with the nourishment they need to thrive. Says Shannon Gleave, RDN, SNS, President of the School Nutrition Association: “Alternative school meal delivery models are critical in encouraging students to participate in school nutrition programs. And with research showing that school meals are the healthiest meals kids can eat, we know students who participate do better in school academically, socially, and emotionally.”
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