El Verano School wins $10k 'Healthy Eating' grant

El Verano Elementary School has been selected as one of five schools nationwide to win the NutriLiving®#BetheNextUNI contest, which focused on promoting healthy eating among school children.

El Verano submitted an application and video creatively showcasing the importance of a healthy diet and why they believe it should win.

El Verano Elementary School will receive $10,000 in fresh produce, a NutriBullet® Blast Bar, and be able to participate in the NutriLiving® UNI Project 90-day program. The program will launch in early spring.

In becoming one of the five national winners, El Verano students has demonstrated their commitment to making healthy dietary choices by having a healthy breakfast and by reducing the intake of processed foods, according to Cody Williams, the school district’s food manager.

“That simple step of eating a good breakfast has shown that students are more likely to meet their nutritional needs, participate more in class, score higher on tests, and have fewer sick days,” Williams said.

Credit and congratulations also go to Michelle Dale Jernigan, a community member and parent of two Sonoma Valley students, who helped El Verano in the application process.