Two EG Schools Now Offer Grab 'n Go Breakfast Carts

From the New England Dairy & Food Council: Breakfast will never be the same at Archie R. Cole Middle School and East Greenwich High School after today, which marked the first day of their new Grab n’ Go breakfast program. They also featured a new menu item for students to try, fresh fruit smoothies. The East Greenwich School District participates in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which made them eligible for funding through New England Dairy & Food Council. The grant the district received to fund the new Grab n’ Go program, along with new exercise equipment to be used during classroom physical activity breaks, was funded by the New England Dairy Farm Families of Rhode Island and New England.

In 2012, the USDA recognized that smoothies made with fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and yogurt are a healthful food option for students.1 Aside from providing essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, smoothies provide variety to the daily menu, and a convenient option that can be picked up on the way to class. They are now offered in many schools as part of reimbursable meal programs.

The East Greenwich Schools’ Food Service Manager, Michelle Edwards with Aramark K12, spoke of their commitment to support student’s health through making changes to the school meal program.

“[We] recognized that a nutritious breakfast plays an essential role in all aspects of a child’s life, including their ability to learn, grow and thrive in the classroom. Since many children today consume half of their daily calories while at school, we want to ensure the healthy choices are easy to choose for them and their families.”

She also described the impact of the grant on their school breakfast program. “With grants provided by the New England Dairy & Food Council and Fuel Up to Play 60, [we were] able to expand the breakfast programs by implementing breakfast carts as students come into the school with a grab and go concept. These carts include smoothies, parfaits, yogurt, hot breakfast and many other nutritional breakfast options daily.”

Jane Vergani, RDN, LDN, and Program Coordinator, Youth Leadership with New England Dairy & Food Council also commented on the benefits of a Grab n’ Go breakfast model. “This expansion of the breakfast program will offer students an opportunity to get a healthy breakfast in the morning even when they are rushing to get to class.”

The East Greenwich School District participates in the nationwide, Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which is a student-led, in-school physical activity and nutrition program. Funding for this program is provided by New England Dairy & Food Council and the dairy farm families of Rhode Island and New England. For more information about Fuel Up to Play 60 in New England, follow New England Dairy & Food Council on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit NewEnglandDairyCouncil.org.

Photo courtesy of the New England Dairy & Food Council: East Greenwich High School students holding smoothie sample for classmates to try.