Student athletes in Flagler County now have easier access to healthy snacks and drinks thanks to a new initiative from AdventHealth. The hospital system has introduced Fuel Fridges across Flagler Schools, providing nutritious food options to help students maintain their energy throughout demanding days filled with early practices, full class schedules, and evening games.
The fridges are fully funded and stocked by AdventHealth as part of its ongoing commitment to student health. Each unit offers quick access to items such as fruit, yogurt, and granola, giving young athletes convenient options for healthy nourishment between activities.
Erik Nason, Director of Strategic Partnerships Operations for the AdventHealth East Florida Division, explained the reasoning behind the program. “Nutrition plays a vital role in performance and recovery,” Nason said. “Even short gaps in nourishment can affect how the body and mind perform. For young athletes balancing classes, practices, and competition, consistent access to healthy food supports concentration, stamina, and overall wellness.”
The Fuel Fridge initiative represents the latest effort in a longstanding partnership between AdventHealth and Flagler Schools. Over the years, the hospital system has provided thousands of free sports physicals and heart screenings for student athletes. AdventHealth has also supported mental health training for educators and staffed athletic events with certified and licensed athletic trainers, extending its care beyond the sidelines and into the daily lives of students.
Nason emphasized the broader goal of helping young people develop habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. “Every student deserves the tools to perform their best, both in the classroom and on the field,” he said. “When healthy choices are easy and accessible, we’re helping young people develop lifelong habits for whole-person health.”
The program has already gained support from coaches, teachers, and students throughout the district. School officials view the Fuel Fridges as another resource for helping students succeed academically and athletically. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on wellness as a key component of student achievement and demonstrates a community effort to support young people in developing healthy bodies, minds, and spirits.
