SAN DIEGO–Chollas Mead Elementary School looks a little sweeter this week, thanks to hundreds of Ben and Jerry’s Scoop Shop owners.
On Jan. 10, hundreds of Ben and Jerry’s franchisees descended on Chollas Mead to help beautify the campus in an effort to practice co-founder Ben Cohen’s pledge that “business has the responsibility to give back to the community.”
That pledge fits hand in hand with San Diego Unified’s mission to build a better San Diego through education, collaboration and community engagement.
“Our schools believe in the power of our students to change the world and build a better San Diego. Helping them do so is part of our mission,” said Superintendent Cindy Marten. “We share this commitment to social justice with Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. That is why we are so proud to partner with them on this amazing project.”
The ice cream franchisees were in San Diego for their annual meeting to discuss the year’s plans, new flavors and social mission campaigns. No word yet if #PeanutButterSD made the cut. The company’s practice is to make difference wherever they meet.
Cohen and co-founder Jerry Greenfield toured Chollas Mead to see the results of the project, meet with students and school staff, and thank the staff for supporting the children and the community. Ben and Jerry also met with Superintendent Marten and Principal Kristi Hunter-Clark.
To celebrate the completion of the beautification project, students and families were treated to an ice cream social, which included healthy-size servings of Ben and Jerry’s sorbet, dairy-free frozen dessert, and ice cream.
The project was coordinated by HandsOn San Diego. HandsOn San Diego’s mission is to strengthen communities through volunteer action and leadership development.
