East Providence School District Chosen for Breakfast in the Classroom

East Providence School District has been chosen to receive $18,262 to start new ‘Breakfast in the Classroom’ programs in five district elementary schools, the New England Dairy & Food Council announced today. East Providence School District was selected from among hundreds of schools across the country that applied for funding to help them jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and physical activity improvements. Funding for this program is provided by New England Dairy & Food Council and the dairy farmers of Rhode Island and New England.

The district held a school assembly on April 16th to celebrate the funds awareded to them for their Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative. During the event, dairy farmer Melissa Breene Jordan from Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich, RI spoke to the students about the importance of fueling up with healthy foods and being active for at least 60 minutes daily. Jordan’s attendance at the event symbolizes the support New England’s dairy farmers provide for student wellness through the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 provide support for a variety of activities and tools, such as foodservice materials and equipment, nutrition and physical education materials, student and staff incentives, staff development and overall Fuel Up to Play 60 implementation.

East Providence School District will use the funds to create and promote new ‘Breakfast in the Classroom’ programs at Agnes B. Hennessey Elementary School, Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School, Jame R. Oldham Elementary School, Kent Heights Elementary School and Orlo Avenue Elementary School. Students will work with the school nutrition staff to help select healthy foods for their new ‘Breakfast in the Classroom’ menu and students also will help to promote the new offerings through taste samplings and contests.

“Research and our experience have shown that communities with Breakfast in the Classroom see improved performance on tests, increased school attendance on days breakfast is offered, reduced visits to the school nurse, more attentive students, less stress at home in the morning and a decreased financial burden for families,” said Ayn Yeagle, Chartwells K12 Northeast Regional Dietitian. “Since Breakfast in the Classroom was started at three of our East Providence elementary schools, we are now feeding breakfast to four times the number of students than before the program was implemented at these schools. Chartwells is excited to continue expansion in East Providence to nourish our students bodies and minds with a healthy start to the day.”

“A special thank you to the New England Dairy Council, the New England Dairy Farmers of Rhode Island and Chartwells for making this worthwhile program possible,” said Kim Mercer, superintendent of schools, East Providence, RI. “Starting the day with a healthy breakfast will greatly enhance the students ability to learn and be successful in their academic endeavors.”

Nearly 74,000 schools across the United States are participating in Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by National Dairy Council, local Dairy Councils and National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Multiple health organizations and several major corporations also support Fuel Up to Play 60.

“East Providence School District should be commended for its commitment to student health and wellness. Starting the new ‘Breakfast in the Classroom’ programs in their five elementary schools will ensure many more students will begin their day with healthy breakfast and be ready to learn!” said Jane Vergnani, registered dietitian nutritionist from New England Dairy & Food Council.

Schools, parents and students can learn more about Fuel Up to Play 60 at FuelUpToPlay60.com. Schools can learn more about eligibility requirements, and find the Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 application, at FuelUpToPlay60.com. There are several application windows each year, including an upcoming deadline in June 2015.