After teaming up with us to promote School Breakfast in the fall, the Dallas Mavericks partnered with us again recently to promote the expansion of the After School Meal Program for Dallas ISD. We even designed special Meal BREAKS packaging for the promotion featuring the Mavericks and their mascots.

DALLAS, April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The Dallas Mavericks’ mascots and dancers were part of an event celebrating the expansion of the Dallas ISD After School Meal Program. There are now 136 participating schools in the program this 2014-2015 school year – an increase from 28 participating schools last year. The celebration took place at Arcadia Park Elementary School in January.

In addition to the Dallas Mavericks, the event included students, community leaders, elected officials and Dallas ISD officials. The Mavericks’ mascots served the meals to the students and the dancers were available for photo opportunities with the students and autographed pictures. “The Mavericks really provided the ‘fun factor’ for the After School Meal Program celebration,” noted Mary Ortiz, nutrition events coordinator for the Food and Child Nutrition Services Department.

“The students — where we have the program — have found that they are able to go through enrichment and tutorial programs feeling re-energized,” said Dora Rivas, Executive Director for Dallas ISD Food and Child Nutrition Services.

The Dallas ISD After School Meals Program replaced the After School Snack Program this year, providing students with a more substantial meal. These meals are served free to all students in after school educational or enrichment programs. When children refuel with after school meals they are more likely to have higher intakes of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and milk.

Dallas ISD Super Snack/After School Meals by the Numbers

• 63,304 after school meals were served in the 2012-2013 school year
• 281,915 after school meals were served in the 2013-2014 school year –a 78% increase
• 431,075 after school meals have been served to students since 2013 in 136 Dallas ISD schools

“When professional athletic organizations support healthy eating, that’s a meaningful message to kids today,” said Luis Santiago, Vice President of Sales for E S Foods. “It has been a pleasure working with the Mavericks. We even designed special Meal Breaks packaging for the promotion featuring the Mavericks and their mascots.” E S Foods has also teamed up with the Mavericks for similar programs in other Dallas area schools to promote school breakfast.

E S Foods, headquartered in Woodbury, New York, is dedicated to providing nutritious, value-added, “kid-friendly” foods for America’s school children. For more information, visit www.esfoods.com