PITTSTON, PA — February 19, 2020 — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and in celebration, the Benco Family Foundation, together with the Children's Oral Health Institute, plans to build on their strong relationship with Chicago Public Schools to host three Lessons in a Lunchbox events during this year's Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting.
Last year, the foundation gifted toothbrushes to every single student, from pre-K to elementary, in all 469 Chicago public schools, so that over 150,000 smiles could have the one basic essential for healthy teeth—something most people take for granted, but that a shocking number of children go without. However, you can't just put a toothbrush in a child's hand and walk away. That's where Lessons in a Lunchbox: Healthy Teeth Essentials & Facts About Snacks comes in. This national oral health and nutrition program reaches underserved elementary school children by offering an ingeniously shaped holder -- a carrot -- packaged in a bright orange lunchbox with all the supplies needed for healthy teeth.
This year, the two organizations will present Lessons in a Lunchbox at the following schools:
• Jackie Robinson Elementary School on Wednesday, 2/19, at 1 p.m., 4225 S. Lake Park Avenue. (773) 535-1777.
• John Charles Haines Elementary School on Thursday, 2/20, at 1 p.m., 247 West 23rd Place. (773) 534-9200.
• Oscar DePriest Elementary School on Friday, 2/21, at 1 p.m., 139 S Parkside Avenue. (773) 534-6800.
Benco Family Foundation Representatives will be on hand for the event at Haines Elementary, and invite members of the media to also attend.
Dr. Winifred J. Booker created Lessons in a Lunchbox over two decades ago and has worked to expand its adoption in her larger role as CEO of the Children's Oral Health Institute. The program's cornerstone is the ingeniously crafted, carrot-shaped carrying case designed to teach elementary school children the importance of dental hygiene with information in English, Spanish, and braille. Before children receive their bright lunchboxes of treasures (a plastic carrot filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and rinse cup) the group follows a prepared lesson plan and enjoys short films about proper brushing and flossing techniques.
“As access to care continues to be a challenge for the underserved, prevention is a more important part of our strategy than ever before," said Rebecca Binder, Executive Director of the Benco Family Foundation. “Lessons in a Lunchbox makes teaching good oral healthcare and nutrition habits at an early age fun and impactful. The program is valuable to every single student it touches because it helps build better educated and healthier communities."
Since 2015, the Benco Family Foundation has been helping people across the globe through toothbrush donations with its Buy-One-Give-One program. For every PRO-SYS brand adult tapered or antimicrobial toothbrush purchased, the philanthropic arm of America’s largest family-owned dental distributor donates a toothbrush to someone in need. But the Benco Family Foundation is about much more than toothbrushes. Dedicated to improving the dental health and quality of life in its local communities and around the world, it supports over 100 organizations delivering innovative dental health solutions through monetary donations as well as free product to support dental missions, clinics and organizations. The foundation continually reviews new opportunities to underwrite oral health solutions and community resources that are innovative, sustainable, measurable and impactful.
