[NEWARK, N.J. (March 11, 2022)] On Thursday, March 10th at 9:00 am, the Newark School of Global Studies unveiled a new Grab-n-Go breakfast cart, courtesy of GENYOUth, a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating healthier school communities. The breakfast cart, which includes a milk cooler and cooler bags, is being funded by PRWeek through GENYOUth's "End Student Hunger Fund" in partnership with the American Dairy Association North East (ADANE). The unveiling is celebrated as part of National School Breakfast Week with an appearance from New York Giants wide receiver, Darius Slayton in the school's cafeteria located at 24 Crane Street, Newark, NJ.

"In Newark, we understand the importance of our students’ well-being and the link between health and academic performance, along with the importance of a healthy school environment" stated Superintendent Roger León. "We thank GENYOUth, PRWeek and ADANE for their generous donation that helps us expand our school breakfast offerings, and provides more students access to healthy food options and more opportunities to fuel their minds for learning."

GENYOUth has been combatting food insecurity within schools through their Grab-n-Go breakfast cart program since 2017. Through their breakfast cart, they provide an alternative meal delivery model that drives greater student engagement by addressing the challenges hindering participation. These include lack of time, convenience, and the stigma associated with school breakfast in the cafeteria. Currently, there are over 500 GENYOUth-funded meal carts in American public schools, which have helped to increase average daily participation by as much as 27% and to expand access to 50 million school meal opportunities.

"Grab and go breakfast carts help ensure that a nutritious start to the day is available for all students," said Dawn Haynes, President of the Newark Board of Education. "We couldn't be any more grateful to GENYOUth, PRWeek and American Dairy Association North East for their generous donation of new school meal equipment to the Newark School of Global Studies."

The statistics surrounding food insecurity for children in Newark and New Jersey overall underscore the need for a concerted effort to ensure meals are easily and readily accessible. One in five New Jersey children live in poverty, and in Newark Public Schools, students of color represent 91.6%, with 80.4% of students qualifying for free and reduced meals based on household income.

"Nationally, one in six children lives in food insecurity, and in school districts serving a higher percentage of Black and Hispanic students such as Newark, the number is closer to one in three. Schools are anchors of community nutrition, and we need to support them and provide the equipment they need to increase access and grow participation in the school meal program." said registered dietitian Ann Marie Krautheim, President and Chief Wellness Officer of GENYOUth. "We cannot end student hunger without the support of committed partners, and I want to thank PRWeek for their generous donation of a new school breakfast cart and other much needed equipment, as well as American Dairy Association North East and the dairy farmer community for stepping up to tackle hunger."

Students of Global Studies, the captains of the district's high school football teams, their coaches representing Barringer, Central, East Side, Malcolm X Shabazz, Weequahic, West Side High Schools, and members of the audience, participated in early-morning warm-up exercises in anticipation of the unveiling; the morning was off to a great start. "I am proud to be a part of this community initiative in Newark," said New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton. "As a professional football player, I am passionate about the role nutrition plays in shaping healthy lives, both on and off the field. So, I proudly support programs that make it easier for students to get a healthy breakfast and be more active, ultimately allowing them to reach their full potential."

"Purposeful communication and purposeful business is one of the biggest agenda points for the brands and businesses that PRWeek covers, and we'll be digging deep into these issues at our annual PRDecoded conference in Chicago on October 11-12. But, as well as covering purpose as an issue, it's important for PRWeek to walk the walk too - and we are delighted to support GENYOUth's excellent work in helping young people and combating food insecurity," said Steve Barrett, VP, editorial director, PRWeek & Campaign.

Newark Public Schools in alignment with the Newark Board of Education graciously receives the donation provided from GENYOUth and PRWeek with the help of Mr. Slayton. As we continue to promote healthy living to our students and implement invaluable knowledge to assist them in living full lives, this is just a small but momentous step forward.