FIREKEEPERS CONTINUES ITS HEALTHY FOOD INITIATIVES FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
(Battle Creek, Mich.) Aug. 21, 2023 — FireKeepers Casino is proud to announce the continuation of four impactful local programs that promote health and wellness for youth in Battle Creek. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, FireKeepers has made significant contributions to Operation Fit, the School Salad Program, Harrington Helpers, and the BC Shared Service Alliance. These programs stand united in a common mission – to provide access to wholesome, nourishing foods for students, empowering them to make healthier choices and unlocking their full academic potential. Ensuring students have access to nutritious meals is paramount, as it has been proven to fuel their minds, enhance cognitive abilities, and ultimately create an environment conducive to optimal learning and growth.
Operation Fit, a program developed in collaboration with Bronson Battle Creek, Battle Creek Family YMCA, and the Battle Creek Community Foundation, has been instrumental in improving the health of local students. FireKeepers, through its Fire Hub Restaurant in Battle Creek, has partnered with the Operation Fit Food Cart Program, which focuses on delivering healthy snacks to nine elementary schools and one after-school center. FireKeepers donates fresh fruits and vegetables to the Food Cart Program. These nutritious snacks are carefully packed in the widely recognized "Red Bags" and distributed to children for consumption at home. The Food Cart Program has expanded to ten locations, catering to the growing demand. During the 2022/2023 school year, thanks to the generous donations from FireKeepers Casino, K-5th grade students brought home an impressive 5,940 cases (or 84,645 pounds) of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and healthy snacks.
Another notable program is the School Salad Program, created by FireKeepers Casino in association with Del Bene Produce. Approximately 1,926 individuals, including 1,696 students and 230 staff members from six schools, now have the opportunity to enjoy nutritious salads as part of their daily meals. Tracy Ferguson from Mar Lee Schools expresses her satisfaction with the School Salad Program, stating, "I feel this program is a huge success. Yes, healthy food across the board has increased. FireKeepers has played a key role in encouraging healthy eating habits amongst Mar Lee students and staff."
Harrington Helpers is yet another remarkable program facilitated by FireKeepers. Through this initiative, fresh fruits and vegetables are thoughtfully packaged and distributed to students on a weekly basis. During the 2022/2023 school year, 288 students had the opportunity to take home healthy food in the popular "Red Bag," promoting nutritious eating habits and supporting their overall well-being.
In a steadfast commitment to the community's well-being, FireKeepers Casino proudly joins forces with the BC Shared Service Alliance, making a meaningful impact by donating and supplying nutritious snacks and produce to three childcare centers throughout the year. Through this powerful collaboration, FireKeepers ensures that children attending these centers have access to nourishing options that play a vital role in supporting their growth and development. The partnership fosters an environment where children can thrive, promoting healthier lifestyles from an early age and setting the foundation for a brighter and more promising future.
Notably, while Del Bene Produce provides a substantial portion of the produce delivered to schools and after-school programs, FireKeepers takes pride in growing its own romaine lettuce and ensuring the meticulous preparation of fruits and produce for distribution. The majority of romaine lettuce used in the School Salads programs is grown at the greenhouse on the Pine Creek Indian Reservation, home to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. For all other healthy snacks, FireKeepers takes great care in purchasing, sorting, and delivering those snacks to schools, guaranteeing the highest quality and freshness.
FireKeepers remains committed to promoting health and wellness within the Battle Creek community. By fostering strategic partnerships and working collaboratively with esteemed organizations, FireKeepers is thrilled to continue these programs for the 2023/2024 school year and to further expand its reach and provide even more children with access to healthy food choices.
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FireKeepers Casino Hotel is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
