GENYOUth, a national nonprofit focused on student nutrition and physical activity, marked the completion of its Super Schools initiative at Grass Valley Elementary School in Oakland ahead of Super Bowl LX. The program provided 60 Bay Area schools with nutrition equipment grants and NFL FLAG-In-School kits, increasing access to about 9 million school meals annually and expanding daily physical activity opportunities for more than 33,000 students.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), the Bay Area Host Committee, Dairy Council of California, Amazon Access, Domino’s, the NFL Foundation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and the PepsiCo Foundation.
During an event at Grass Valley Elementary, families participated in activities such as food tastings and a flag football clinic led by San Francisco 49ers officials. The Eat. Learn. Play. Bus from Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s charity also provided students with free books.
Super Schools distributed equipment including mobile meal carts, insulated milk coolers, point-of-sale systems to improve meal access, and NFL FLAG-In-School kits to encourage participation in physical activity. The initiative aims to address barriers to school breakfast by delivering healthy meals directly to students throughout the school day.
Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth, said: “With one in five children in the Bay Area living in poverty¹, the completion of Super Schools represents a touchdown for student well-being. We have equipped 60 Bay Area schools, including 10 in the Oakland Unified School District, with the tools they need to nourish and keep students active every single day. These aren’t just mobile meal carts and flag football kits – they’re lifelines that help children grow, learn, and reach their full potential. As we celebrate Super Bowl LX, we’re proud to leave a lasting legacy of impact in the Bay Area, and we’re deeply grateful to our purpose-driven partners who have made this possible.”
Dr. Denise Saddler, OUSD Superintendent stated: “The Super Schools program has made a profound difference for our students at Grass Valley Elementary and across Oakland Unified School District. By emphasizing proper nutrition and physical activity, we’re helping our students build healthy habits that will serve them for a lifetime. We are grateful to GENYOUth and all mission-driven supporters for their dedication to our students’ health, wellness, and academic success.”
Patty Hubbard of the Bay Area Host Committee added: “As we approach Super Bowl LX, Super Schools exemplifies the Bay Area Host Committee’s commitment to driving lasting social and economic impact across our region. This initiative has brought together organizations that share our passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, and they have helped create a legacy that will benefit students long after the final whistle blows on game day.”
Nancy Dalton from Amazon Access commented: “Access to nutritious food shouldn’t depend on your zip code, and Super Schools is helping to level the playing field for Bay Area students… We’re honored to have teamed up with GENYOUth on this initiative that has equipped 60 schools with the resources they need to ensure every student can access the healthy meals that fuel their success both in the classroom and beyond.”
Kate Trumbull from Domino’s said: “Food has the power to transform lives, and when students are well-nourished, they’re better positioned to achieve their academic goals… Through our Domino’s Smart Slice program and our partnership with GENYOUth… Domino’s is proud to have played a role in this impactful initiative that has strengthened nutrition security for thousands of Bay Area students.”
Monica Bauer from PepsiCo noted: “At PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation… Super Schools has made a tangible difference in addressing childhood hunger across the Bay Area by providing schools with equipment they need… We’re proud to partner with GENYOUth…”
Justin Prettyman from 49ers Foundation remarked: “The 49ers Foundation is thrilled to see… impact Super Schools has made in making physical activity more inclusive… Through NFL FLAG-In-School… we’ve helped create opportunities for thousands of students…”
Amy DeLisio from Dairy Council of California stated: “Dairy Council of California is honored… Dairy plays an essential role… this initiative has expanded access…”
Stephanie Isaacson from PG&E added: “Pacific Gas and Electric Company is dedicated … Healthy schools and good nutrition are vital … We’re pleased to support GENYOUth and … making a positive difference.”Â
GENYOUth will continue its efforts against student hunger during Taste of the NFL presented by PepsiCo on February 7; net proceeds will benefit schools locally as well as nationwide.
¹ According to data from Public Policy Institute of California
For further details or ticket information regarding Taste of the NFL visit https://TasteoftheNFL.com.
More information about GENYOUth’s work can be found at https://www.GENYOUthnow.org.
Original press release available at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/super-bowl-lxs-super-schools-scores-big-for-bay-area-students-302680817.html
