"School wins prize plus Kraft surprise; Big gift doubles students’ delight" by Todd Feathers | Globe Correspondent, June 03, 2013
The students at Russell Elementary School do not have a gymnasium, and their reheated lunches are devoid of leafy greens, but the Dorchester school’s passion for health and wellness has earned it national recognition and a surprise gift from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
The business magnate arrived at the school Monday to congratulate the students and staff on winning $30,000 in the Find Your Balance Challenge, a nationwide school health competition.
Kraft shocked nearly everyone in attendance when he announced that he would match the grant, giving principal Tamara Blake hope that the school can renovate its kitchen and begin serving fresh fruit and salads, she said.
“I was completely elated, overjoyed, and ecstatic,” Blake said in a phone interview. “It’s amazing to know that no matter how limited our financial resources are, there are people who still believe in what we do.”
The school is one of the poorest in the nation. All of its students are eligible for the federal free lunch program, according to a statement from the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Discovery Education, sponsors of the Find Your Balance Challenge.
Related: Alphabet Agency: USDA Dinner
What could be wrong with it? It's been inspected.
Lunches are shipped in to the school and reheated in ovens before serving, and when it rains, physical education classes must be held in cramped classrooms, Blake said.
Undaunted by the lack of healthy food and exercise facilities, a group of students rallied around physical education teacher Elizabeth Lupo to create a wellness council and plant a community garden, which they hope will someday supply the school with fresh produce for lunch. Their effort earned them the challenge’s grand prize, Blake said.
Unbeknownst to the school, word of their accomplishments reached Kraft through his friend, PepsiCo chief executive Indra Nooyi, who sits on the board of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, said Stacey James, a spokesman for the New England Patriots.
“The actual announcement of the matching donation was a surprise to everyone,” James said. “[Kraft] did that very secretly.”
Blake cried when Kraft announced the gift, she said. With the $60,000, she plans to ask the School Department to help the school renovate its kitchens.
The building was built in 1903 and its antiquated plumbing system means the kitchen has no sinks with which to wash fruit and vegetables for lunch. Installing new pipes and sinks will probably cost nearly $250,000, Blake said.
Students Ashley German, 10; Elijah Flores, 11; and Janelle Cave, 11, all members of the wellness council, were also ecstatic about the donation.
“Changing the food in the cafeteria is great,” Flores said. “Once we grow it in our garden, we’ll know that it’s healthy for us.”
Teachers at the school have been talking to students all year about what their legacy in life will be, Blake said. Will they stay in school? Will they go to college? What will they accomplish?
You are reading my legacy.
--more--"
Related: The Kraft Curse
And now Gronk is out for who knows how long (it looks like career over to me; too many injuries for a rough game like football).
Also see: Breakfast, Brought to You By....
At least you aren't begging for it, kids.
UPDATE: Kraft executive moving to Penney
Probably not a good move.
UPDATE: Kraft executive moving to Penney
Probably not a good move.
