The beet

The Whitsons team in Everett Public Schools, MA (EPS) helped celebrate the district receiving a $10,000 Fuel Up to Play 60 Hometown Grant from New England Dairy and the New England Patriots. The grant allows the district to purchase two new grab and go meal carts for the Whitsons breakfast program, as well as new physical activity equipment, for students at Lafayette School.

The students and the Lafayette School and community held a spirited assembly to thank and welcome representatives from New England Dairy, local dignitaries, and members of the New England Patriots – including players Marcus Jones, Cole Strange, Trent Brown, Chris Board and Calvin Munson, Hall of Famer Andre Tippet, President of the New England Patriots Foundation Josh Kraft, Patriots Cheerleaders, and (of course) Pat the Patriot.

As part of the celebration, students enjoyed Ultimate Recess with the players, who ran football-related drills to help promote the importance of getting 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Whitsons served smoothies at recess for all the students, which they had the chance to help make with a special Bike Blender that also promoted physical activity. Students enjoyed peddling the bike to power the blender and make refreshing smoothies made of milk, yogurt, and blueberry or strawberry.

As part of our Simply Rooted mission, we strive to serve wholesome meals that taste great to all of our students, Alyssa Charles, Whitsons General Manager for Everett Public Schools, told the audience. With this grant, Whitsons and EPS will be able to bring local foods and meats like beef and chicken, as well as fruits and veggies right into our schools and onto your lunch trays. Just like the Patriots, it’s important that you fuel your body the right way.

View the story by WHDH here
View video of the entire celebration here
Read the story on Patriots.com here 
Read the story on the Everett Public Schools website here