Elmwood Receives Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield

Elmwood Elementary School is one of 75 schools across Michigan to receive a "Building Healthy Communities through Breakfast: First Fuel Breakfast Challenge" grant.

The grant will allow schools including Elmwood to customize breakfast service to include options including grab-and-go breakfast, breakfast after first period, breakfast vending machines, delivering breakfast to the classroom or breakfast in the bus loop, according to a release. 

“Students who start their day off right with a nutritious breakfast are more prepared to learn and succeed,” said Shannon Carney Oleksyk, registered dietitian and healthy living advisor for the Blues’ Social Mission, in a release. “Overall health and educational performance of children improves with a healthy breakfast, which is why Blue Cross is excited to partner with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan in announcing the recipients of these grants. This program continues our commitment at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to improve the health of children across the state and help them realize their fullest potential.”

“Michigan’s dairy farmers congratulate all the schools, food service directors, teachers, staff, parents and supporters who work diligently to help bring nutritious meals to more students at the start of the school day,” said Sharon Toth, registered dietitian and UDIM chief executive officer, in a release. “A healthy breakfast is a critical first step toward helping children focus in school. No child should be too hungry to think and learn, and that’s why United Dairy Industry of Michigan joins Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in applauding all the schools that received this grant.”