Smoothie Blender Bike To Be Unveiled At Norwalk Elementary School

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk Public Schools and Chartwells will unveil a new "Smoothie Blender Bike" to students, staff and guests at Naramake Elementary School on Thursday, according to district officials.

In a news release provided by the district, Norwalk Public Schools won one of five custom blender bikes donated by General Mills for having the highest student engagement, with 398 completed surveys, about Chartwells' newest concept: the Smoothie Station.

Created in partnership with the National Dairy Council, General Mills and Hubert, Chartwells' Smoothie Station launched at Norwalk Public Schools and over 140 schools across the country, district officials said.

The Smoothie Station was introduced in 10 of Norwalk's elementary schools, and students were able to taste a variety of smoothie flavors and recipes. In October alone, over 1,000 smoothies were served, according to district officials.

Feedback on the Smoothie Station launch was overwhelmingly positive, and Chartwells is thrilled to provide students with another healthy option in the cafeteria, district officials said.

While the Norwalk smoothie blender bike will primarily reside at Naramake, it will also go on tour across the district in May at Mood Boost smoothie pop-ups and tasting events. Chartwells' Mood Boost program helps students make a connection between what they eat and how they feel, according to district officials.

The district will invite each of its guests to test ride the smoothie blender bike to make their own delicious smoothie Thursday morning, district officials said. Pre-made smoothies will also be available.

Among those expected to be in attendance at Naramake, located at 16 King Street in Norwalk, are Superintendent Alexandra Estrella, Mayor Harry Rilling, Naramake Principal Jane Wilkins, Chartwells Resident District Manager Angela Valentin and Jill Kress, the food services liaison for Norwalk Public Schools.