Westlake Elementary Celebrates National School Breakfast Week with Special Guests

Students at Westlake Elementary enjoyed a memorable National School Breakfast Week celebration on March 3, featuring special guests, nutritious meals, and interactive learning activities.

 

The day began with all students receiving a free nutritious breakfast delivered directly to their classrooms as part of the school's commitment to promoting healthy eating habits. Following their meal, students participated in a fun and interactive presentation about the importance of starting each day with a nutritious breakfast.

 

Superintendent Dr. Butts joined the celebration and shared a personal anecdote with students, noting that school breakfast wasn't available when he was a child. "I had to eat at home before school each day," Dr. Butts told the gathered students, "but if I had the chance to enjoy school breakfast like you do, my favorite would definitely have been french toast sticks with white milk."

 

The celebration featured an exciting lineup of special guests that had students cheering with excitement. Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders and team mascot Blue made appearances, along with Nitro from Indy Fuel, Rowdie from the Indianapolis Indians, and Buttercup the Cow. These visitors joined students for breakfast and helped emphasize the connection between good nutrition and active lifestyles. They also recognized and thanked our dedicated Child Nutrition team members, who work hard to prepare FREE healthy breakfasts and lunches for our students every school day, not just during National School Breakfast Week.

 

Local dairy farmer Kerry Estes spoke to children about how dairy products make their journey from "farm to calf-ateria," giving students a behind-the-scenes look at food production while emphasizing the nutritional benefits of including dairy in their breakfast routines.

 

The American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. (ADAI) supported the event as part of their "Clue In to School Breakfast" program, highlighting the important role dairy products play in a healthy breakfast. Jenni Browning, CEO of American Dairy Association Indiana, was on hand to discuss how dairy contributes essential nutrients that support brain development and overall health.

 

"We are proud to celebrate National School Breakfast Week and have the opportunity to educate students and teachers about the many benefits of dairy products for kids' growth, health and cognitive development," said Browning. "American Dairy Association Indiana is committed to helping impact lifelong healthy habits in students, starting with breakfast."

 

National School Breakfast Week, celebrated annually in March, aims to increase awareness about the availability and nutritional benefits of school breakfast programs. Research shows that students who eat breakfast perform better academically, have fewer absences, and maintain better overall health.

 

"Events like these make nutrition education fun and memorable for our students," said Robert Irvine, Principal of Westlake Elementary. "We're grateful to all our community partners who helped make this celebration special while reinforcing the importance of starting each day with a healthy breakfast."

 

ABOUT AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA, INC.
American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. (ADAI) is a not-for-profit promotion, communication, and nutrition education organization funded by and serving Indiana dairy farm families. We provide service to consumers, health professionals, teachers, food service professionals and the media.