American heart association teams up to tackle utah’s $3M school lunch debt
A healthy heart needs a nutritious diet, especially at a young age. That’s why the American Heart Association in Utah has partnered with Utahns Against Hunger and the School Nutrition Association of Utah to work on Healthy School Meals for All to help all children get a good lunch at school.
This is especially important in underserved communities where parents might not be able to afford school lunches. According to Utahns Against Hunger (UAH) and the School Nutrition Association of Utah (SNAU), the current student lunch school debt now exceeds $3 million.
To the American Heart Association in Utah, getting involved in this cause can have a rippling effect on an entire generation’s health and well-being. It establishes a foundation for lifelong health, helping reduce the risks of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Nutritious school meals are essential in promoting and supporting both physical and cognitive development.
“All children deserve access to healthy school meals,” says Noah Miterko, Government Relations Director, American Heart Association in Utah. “Let’s make sure schools can provide them with all the tools they need to be successful in class.”
A healthy lunch can make a world of difference for a young student. Making nutritious meals available to all students, particularly in underserved areas, improves academic performance and mental well-being while addressing health disparities across socioeconomic differences.
Working on Healthy School Meals for All, the Association joins UAH and SNAU to reduce school meal debt and foster healthier, more resilient communities all over the state, particularly where it’s needed the most.
It’s a cause with heart, fitting for the American Heart Association in Utah.
American Heart Association
230 S. 500 East, Ste. 435, SLC
801-702-4423 | heart.org/utah
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