LLW uses grant to expand school breakfast program

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood - Ironwood's sixth through 12th graders have been enjoying the option of smoothies several times a week after the district received a commercial-grade blender as part of a grant program from the United Dairy Council of Michigan.

According to information on the council's website, the grants were designed to increase the amount of dairy used in the schools.

"Statistics show that milk-based smoothies continue to be a beverage of choice among youth," the site said. "Smoothies in schools allow food service departments to capitalize on students' desire to consume a well-balanced meal by combining necessary ingredients in an attractive package that's easily transported."

Since the second week of the school year, students have had the option of purchasing smoothies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Mary Hampston, the district's food service director, explained, during the district's breakfast period.

The smoothies, which Hampston said have sold out every time they've been offered, are just one way the district works to "provide students with a well-balanced, nutritious meal," Hampston said.

The blender has also allowed the district to find creative new options for its food, Hampston said, including freezing unused juice as ice cubes to thicken the berry smoothies and offering seasonal flavors.

The most popular flavor is likely strawberry banana, Hampston said.

Toward the end of October, Hampston said she plans to offer pumpkin smoothies.

Ironwood was one of 50 schools in Michigan to be selected to receive grants, according to information on the dairy council's website.