The Juneau School District thanks Avista Corporation for the generous $2,000 donation to help feed Juneau students. Avista is the parent company of Alaska Electric Light and Power Company and an active participant in community programs.
Avista Senior Communications Manager Jessie Wuerst and AEL&P President Tim McLoed visited the JSD District Office to present the donation to Food Service Supervisor Adrianne Schwartz, Board of Education President Brian Holst and Superintendent Mark Miller.
The Juneau School District will use the funds to support the National School Breakfast Program, which operates in 10 schools this school year. This includes Universal Breakfast Programs at eight schools, which allow any student the option to eat breakfast free of charge.
Avista has a history of giving to programs that support the children and families of the communities they serve. This gift will get children off to a good start each school day.
“Avista recognizes that eating a healthy breakfast at the start of the school day has a positive effect on both students and teachers, strengthening the whole school environment,” Wuerst said.
The district has been working to expand the Universal Breakfast Program, resulting in an overall increase in students eating breakfast at school. The average daily participation has grown from 119 meals per day during the 2010-2011 school year to 486 meals per day this school year. This means that more students come to class ready to learn each day.
“Support from Avista will help us continue to expand and improve our school breakfast program to reach more students,” Schwartz’s said.
Support from partners like Avista means more options for more students. The program has expanded to offer both hot and cold entrée options daily, along with fresh and canned fruit options, and a choice of two types of milk.
