Rethink Your Drink Program Installs 61 Additional Water Bottle Filling Stations in Iowa Schools

Posted on September 24, 2018 in Foundation

Students and staff returning to 61 Iowa schools this fall discovered a new attraction in their school building thanks to Rethink Your Drink, a program administered by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. Elkay water bottle filling stations, which include a counter showing water bottles saved from landfills, were installed over the summer replacing a water fountain. This installation will impact 27,600 students and teachers and represents an investment of $275,000 by Delta Dental.

“When we implement health and wellness programs like Rethink Your Drink with Iowa schools we know there is a significant impact,” said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “Iowa students are drinking more water because of these filling stations and staying hydrated helps them remain healthier.”

This is the second round of Rethink Your Drink. In February 2018, it was announced that 54 schools received water bottle filling stations. By April 2018, counters on the water bottle filling stations at those locations showed more than 200,000 plastic water bottles had been saved from landfills.

Why should students rethink their drink?

More than 50 percent of children and teens in the U.S. are not properly hydrated during the school day, which can impact cognitive function and energy levels. Despite efforts by families, schools and public health agencies to educate students on better drink choices, children and teenagers often choose caffeinated beverages, sports drinks and energy drinks. By choosing optimally fluoridated water, students and staff are more alert, better hydrated, protect their tooth enamel and make their teeth more resistant to cavities.

The 61 Iowa schools received Elkay water bottle filling stations through an investment of more than $275,000 by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation and supported by the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Iowa Public Health Association, Iowa Department of Education and In Depth Marketing. Every student in the selected schools will receive a Delta Dental water bottle, a toothbrush and a bookmark. The schools will receive posters highlighting the benefits of choosing optimally fluoridated tap water over sugary drinks.

Overview map of September 2018 Rethink Your Drink recipients. Click here to see a complete list of the 61 schools.