Advocate Spotlight: John and Keenan

This month, we want to highlight two amazing teachers here in Utah who have been vital in supporting American Heart Association efforts to expand no-cost school meals across their state.

John and Keenan, dedicated educators in the Salt Lake City School District, know that good nutrition and a full stomach are essential for learning. They work at a school where breakfast and lunch are available to all students, regardless of family income, and without applications. John and Keenan have helped us by advising on the issues and their lived experience, writing an op-ed, public comments, and attending events to connect with other advocates.

John and Keenan’s school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.

John Arthur teaches 6th grade at Meadowlark Elementary School in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. In 2021, John was named Utah Teacher of the Year and was one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. For 11 years, he has brought his enthusiasm and passion for his students to new heights. John is supporting the school meals effort because he believes child hunger is unacceptable, and that no one should be comfortable with the idea of children going hungry, especially in our schools. When he is not making a difference for young people in our community, John loves to chill with his wife and play with his daughters.

Keenan Burkley has been teaching for 10 years, also all at Meadowlark Elementary School. Keenan supports the school meals effort because many children don't know where their next meal is coming from. He believes students should never have to worry about being fed at school, nutrition should be an included part of the learning experience. Keenan is an avid outdoorsman, balancing his life with his passion for skiing, biking, hiking, and climbing.  

We couldn’t do our lifesaving work without volunteers like John and Keenan, and we’re grateful for their continued support in this important effort.

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