ATLANTA, GA – Krystal, famous for its iconic square hamburgers, announced that The Krystal Foundation has awarded its first grants to help six different schools throughout the brand’s footprint to support core and extra-curricular programs. The Foundation is awarding $18,540 in grant money in order to fund school programs.

Operating under the belief that “Squaring is Caring,” The Krystal Foundation was established in 2016 to serve communities in the 11 states where Krystal operates by establishing grants for funding of educational enrichment programs such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education, music, culinary instruction and sports programs.

On March 1, the Foundation opened its first grant window to schools meeting the foundation’s mission. After the grant application window closed on April 1, the Foundation selected six schools for grants ranging in amounts from $2,500 to $3,500. The winning schools include:

• Leroy Massey Elementary School in LaFayette, Georgia, to fund iPads and Sphero robots to assist students in applying hands-on coding skills.
• Lanier Elementary School in Tampa, Florida, to create math, arts, music, culinary, science, gardening and technology leadership clubs.
• Central School, Huntsville, Alabama, to fund virtual reality kits that will help students enhance their knowledge of science, history, geography, literature, technology, engineering and career exploration.
• Ingram Pye Elementary School, Macon, Georgia, to fund various after-school programs in an effort to increase school attendance, decrease behavior incidents, and increase proficiency in reading, math and science.
• Mimosa Elementary School, Roswell, Georgia, for the creation of a science lab that will help students apply creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills to solve problems.
• Brainerd High School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, in support of the school’s football program which aims to build and sustain an athletic program that increases graduation rates through the improvement of overall academic performance by keeping players accountable for grades and life choices.
“We are proud to play a role in helping schools ‘square-up’ support by balancing core requirements with enrichment programs that create well-rounded future leaders,” said Jason Abelkop, President of The Krystal Foundation and Chief Marketing Office for The Krystal Company. “Each of these six schools exemplifies the values set forth by The Krystal Foundation.”

The Krystal Foundation will solicit applications three times throughout the year – spring, fall, and winter. There is no limit to how many recipients The Krystal Foundation will choose. The second application window opens on September 1.

“We’ve been involved in our neighborhoods for the last 85 years and creating The Krystal Foundation is an exciting way to give back to our guests.” continued Abelkop. “We believe in showing gratitude to the communities that have supported us for so many years.”

To apply or find out more information please visit TheKrystalFoundation.com.

About The Krystal Company
Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South. Its hamburgers are still served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun at more than 350 restaurants in 11 states. Krystal’s Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 6,000 employees. For more information, visit http://www.Krystal.com or http://www.facebook.com/Krystal or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @Krystal.

About The Krystal Foundation
Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 2016, The Krystal Foundation is a 501(c) (3) public charity. Its mission is to strengthen, enhance and enrich Krystal’s neighborhood schools and families. The non-profit will also support and assist Krystal employees and franchisees for emergency recovery funds as needed. The foundation provides need-based grants to communities in their 11 states, which have extracurricular program elimination or cutback. The foundation will support programs that are focused in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), culinary arts, music, and sports. For more information, visit www.TheKrystalFoundation.com or http://www.facebook.com/Krystal or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @Krystal.