By Press Times staff
GREEN BAY – Lombardi Middle School students have a new addition which will promote health during the school day.
Delta Dental of Wisconsin (DDWI) Foundation’s Cool Water Program recently granted a water bottle-filling station at that school, and 30 other schools across the state.
This year marks the fifth year for the program.
“Each Cool Water Program grant covers the installation cost of a new filling station, along with toothbrushes and reusable water bottles for all students and staff. Selection for awardees was based on the schools having fluoridated water, percentage of students with free-and-reduced meal rates and the sustainability and creativity of an implementation plan to encourage students to drink more water throughout the year,” a Delta Dental release stated.
According to the American Dental Association, drinking water helps reduce cavities and protects tooth enamel.
Children who drink water during the day are less likely to consume sugary beverages.
“Supporting education is not just about funding schools, it’s about empowering the next generation to make healthy choices,” said Shaun Luehring, president and CEO of LUMIN Schools and 2022 Cool Water Program grant recipient. “The gift of a water bottle-filling station makes good choices easy. We would not have been able to secure this on our own and are extremely grateful for the support. Our students love filling up their water bottles, so mission accomplished!”
“The statewide impact of the Cool Water Program the past five years has been inspiring, but there is more work to be done,” said Megan Tenpas, community impact manager for the DDWI Foundation. “Our goal is to have a school in each county represented by the 2025-2026 school year.”
For more information, visit deltadentalwi.com/foundation.